How to Retrieve a Forgotten Password

Passwords are a necessary evil for a lot of things. In theory you would use the same password for many different applications, but if you've got a superhuman memory, chances are you'll do just that. But what can you do if you need to retrieve a forgotten password?

A lot depends on where you're trying to get in, so let's look at the different places where it needs to retrieve forgotten password,:

web site password retrieval

This should be easy (famous last words!). Most sites will ask you to enter your e-mail address, and then e-mail you your password.

, but this is where you can get complicated: Your e-mail address may have changed since you set up an account or a web page can be quite stubbornly refuse to acknowledge that you have ever had an account with them in the first place and therefore can not send you a reminder.

At this stage, probably not even have to try to find a way to contact the Support Web site or write off what's in your account. It's frustrating, but it does happen.

password retrieval program

different programs handle passwords in different ways, but most will at least try to stop you getting the information without entering a secret code.

This happens a lot with PDF files that you buy - the author believes that if you put a password on it then no one will ever steal their information. So frustrated are the actual buyers, while the thieves just give evil laugh as the Joker in Batman.

for the PDF as if I rename them as soon as I get them, so that the password is part of the file - I learned that the hard way when my e-mail program to crash, erasing the password notification (now extinct), the company .

programs such as Excel and Word allows you to set up password protection system. It can be very helpful if the documents of sensitive information in them. However, it is a pain in the back when someone else in the office is password-protected file, you need to get in, but they do or not with the company or they are in one of the only places on the planet that hasn 't got cell phone reception.

So you are forced to download or remove password protection program, or just give up.

You could go through any e-mail correspondence, just in case you had password-protected file from that person before. Chances are they use the same password again -. Most of us do, most of the time

Password retrieval tips

Most people use a password that is a mix of familiar names and dates. So, start with things such as pets name and the names of children. Perhaps in combination with significant dates such as birthdays.

Before this, do a search on the Internet for lists of common passwords.

Stupid passwords such as 123,456 or even just the word "password" are in regular use to supposedly protect files. Which is somewhat like leaving the front door open, but it is good news for you if it was used for the protection of the file you wish to retrieve password.