Recover docx files
We have just discovered that none of the passwords on our word documents work any longer, and I need a recommendation of an application that I can use to recover the files.
I believe the files had been created on a windows based computer, so I do not have much of a problem with using a windows based program if required.
This applies to .docx files:
- Create a back-up copy of the file
- Change the extension from .docx to .zip
- Open new .zip file
- Extract all files
- In the extracted folder, navigate to word\settings.xml
- Open settings.xml
- Remove the tag w:documentProtection, don't forget to include the < and />
- Save file
- Copy to modified settings.xml to the actual .zip file (over write)
- Rename .zip to .docx
- Open file
Microsoft Office 2007 and up are xml files that can be edited if you know what to look for.
I just want to add that I am NOT responsible for what you do with this information. I do believe that knowledge is power and with power comes responsibility.