Wayfarers of Veeshan

I found some old diskettes containing some password-protected Word documents from when I worked at another job about eight years ago. These are my files, personal documents passworded because I had them on my computer at work. When I left that job, I just moved them to a diskette and took them with me.

Now, however, since I've upgraded MSWord several times, I can't open these documents. The error message I get is "cannot convert password protected documents." I've tried a trial version of a password cracker (although I know the password), I've tried using Office 98, Office 97, and even using Microsoft Office (the date on this CD is 1994). The latter says it can't open the file because I've provided the wrong password - even though it never gave me an opportunity to enter a password.

Anybody have any ideas? These files don't contain anything earthshattering, but I want to read them again after all this time.

there might be a couple of utilities around that 'break' password protection on word files, and a few others...maybe on download.com?

i'll have a look through the LivoSoft collection...i might have somethin that'll help

I don't really need to break it since I know the password; the hard part is finding the right "old" version to open it.

It's frustrating . . . but I feel sure LivoSoft will have the answer! :)

hmm...no luck in the LivoNet library, but i do have a version of word that predates word 97 on the old win 95 box...

i'll see if i can find the installer kickin around...i think its on the original DEC restore disk

<dons the miners hat and delves back into the cavern>

Thanks, Freezie. I am determined to figure this out, but I've hit a dead end.

Sorry Alle, thought I had an Word pre 97 also, though I can find my copy of windows 95, can't find an old Word

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70 Bard, at your service
Elder, Wayfarer of Veeshan

Also, , , Irodanise (52 Pal), Irodanes (31 Rog), Iroardanis (19 BL), Sinadori (25 SK), Dreminal (32 Dru)

I'm sure I could 'find' a copy of some very old software ... if you look at the properties for the file, does it give you any indication of what version created it?

Check on the Summary tab, Advanced. Should have an origin area and Application Name.

Nada :(

Could always try : http://www.decryptum.com/

It should just remove the password. I doubt that they actually need to retain the password if they're that old... and it would let you look at 'em again.

ugh. $39 to do the whole file if it works. I'll do that as a last resort.

The demo'd at least let you see the first part of the file. And if that's all it takes, I think we'd be able to find something similar without the $39 price tag.

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Drexxell , 71st GNecrOMancEr -- Wielder of ()
Druul , 60th Troll Shaman () + Wielder of and
Driss, 51st Dwarf Priestess of Brell Serilis
Dralia, 36th Erudite Enchantress

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Drexxell , 71st GNecrOMancEr -- Wielder of ()
Druul , 60th Troll Shaman () + Wielder of and
Driss, 51st Dwarf Priestess of Brell Serilis
Dralia, 36th Erudite Enchantress