Word Encryption

[Simon Wheway]

If I password protect a Word document is the document still in plain text
with a password which the application needs to open it, or is it encrpted
using the password as the key.

If encrptyed just how strong is it and how does it differ from Office 2002
(XP) to 2003 please?

Thanks
Simon

 

[Graham Mayor]

It is encrypted and if you use one of the higher levels of encryption
offered and a strong password it will defy casual attempts to open it and
serious attempts will require a lot of processing over a prolonged period.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

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[Simon Wheway]

Thanks Graham

I'm using Word 2002 (XP) - what is the strongest encrption type and key
length to use that will work OK so the person I send the doc to will be able
to decrpt it?

Also what makes a string password?

Simon

 

[Graham Mayor]

Tools > Security > Advanced. Use an encryption with a key length of 128,
which is the maximum allowed. The receipient will of course need to know the
password.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

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[Simon Wheway]

Thanks but its giving me loads of options in the advanced tab e.g. RSA, DS,
DH - whats the best?

 

[Graham Mayor]

Investigate their characteristics at Google.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

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