LOSTMYPASSWORD / Recovery guides

Find the right next step for your locked file

Start with the message your application shows. These guides separate forgotten opening passwords from editing restrictions and explain what to check before submitting a file.

Related guides

Forgot PDF password? How to open your own .pdf fileIf your PDF asks for a password before showing any page, you need the opening password or another authorized copy. A print or copy restriction is a different issue.Read the guide →Remove a password from a PDF: known password vs forgotten passwordRemoving a known PDF password and recovering a forgotten one are different tasks. Confirm you can open the file and have permission to change its security.Read the guide →How to unprotect an Excel sheet or workbook (.xls, .xlsx)A locked worksheet, workbook structure and an opening password require different checks. If cells are visible but cannot be edited, begin with sheet protection.Read the guide →Forgot Excel file password? Recovery for .xls and .xlsxIf Excel requires a password before opening your workbook, unprotecting a sheet is not the same problem. Preserve the file and first check for the password or an earlier copy.Read the guide →Forgot ZIP password? Opening your own .zip archiveA ZIP password is usually set when the archive is created. The file’s download location and the application used to unzip it do not themselves supply that password.Read the guide →RAR password recovery: .rar files and WinRAR promptsFor a RAR file you own, start by locating the original password or an authorized replacement. A password prompt and a missing archive volume are different problems.Read the guide →7z password recovery: what to check for .7z filesA .7z archive can use strong encryption. Start with your password records and the original files; changing its extension to .zip will not make it readable.Read the guide →Forgot Word document password? Open or edit a .doc or .docxFirst determine whether Word will not open your document or only prevents editing. Those are distinct protections and need different next steps.Read the guide →

If recovery is needed

The checks in these guides do not require paying us. Our manual recovery service costs USD $19.99 per file only after success. Recovery is not guaranteed.

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