Unprotect a Word form easily, even without the password

Browse to the password protected form and select it.  This will import most of the file, except for headers and footers, and you can impress your coworkers with how quickly you cracked the code.  If you really need to have a logo from the file's header, you can do a screen shot (Alt + PrintScreen) with the protected file open, then paste it into graphics editing software such as Paint. Then, you can crop the picture and insert it into the Word document's header as a graphic.  Make sure you know where the file is located. Next, for Word 2007 and above, click the Insert tab, then Object, and choose Text from File (or Insert, File in Word 2003).  Create a new, blank document in Microsoft Word by clicking the Office Orb (top left of screen) and New in Word 2007 or later (or File, New in Word 2003). View the list ยป
You can easily edit a protected Word form.

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If someone has sent you a Word document with password protection, or you inherited one from someone who's no longer with your company, you're out of luck if you don't know the password. You may be able to find password cracking software with a Google search, but the free ones may expose your computer to unwanted add-ons.

If you don't have the password for a protected Word form, it's a different story, and these steps will show you how to make the form editable.

Create a new, blank Word document. Next, for Word 2007 and above, click Insert, Object, Text from File (or Insert, File in Word 2003). Browse to the password protected form and double click it. This will import most of the file, except for headers and footers, and you can impress your coworkers with how quickly you cracked the code.

If you need a logo from the file's header, you can do a screen shot (Alt + PrintScreen) with the protected file open, then paste it into graphics editing software such as Paint. Then, you can crop the picture and insert it into the Word document's header as a graphic.

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View the list
  • Create a new, blank document in Microsoft Word by clicking the Office Orb (top left of screen) and New in Word 2007 or later (or File, New in Word 2003). 
  •  Make sure you know where the file is located. Next, for Word 2007 and above, click the Insert tab, then Object, and choose Text from File (or Insert, File in Word 2003).  
  • Browse to the password protected form and select it.  This will import most of the file, except for headers and footers, and you can impress your coworkers with how quickly you cracked the code.  If you really need to have a logo from the file's header, you can do a screen shot (Alt + PrintScreen) with the protected file open, then paste it into graphics editing software such as Paint. Then, you can crop the picture and insert it into the Word document's header as a graphic. 
View the list
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, Raleigh Technology Examiner

Beth McIntire has worked in IT for over 15 years in various industries and enjoys finding great deals. You can contact her at RaleighTechnologyExaminer@hotmail.com or follow @RaleighTech on Twitter.

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