Darshan Hiranandani : How to Access a Password-Protected MDB Database with an MDW File and Unknown User Password?

[darshanhiranandani24]

Hello everyone,

I'm Darshan Hiranandani, I have an MDB (Microsoft Access) file that is password-protected, and it also uses an associated MDW (Microsoft Database Workgroup) file for additional user-level security. I know the password for the database itself, but I am encountering issues with the MDW file.

Here’s the situation:

• If I delete the MDW file and attempt to log in using just the database password, I receive a warning stating that I do not have the necessary permissions to access the database.
• When I try to open the database using the MDW file, I still cannot access it because I do not know the username and password for the defined users.
• There are two users in the MDW file: one is an admin user with no password (but no viewing permissions), and the other is "user x" with a password that I do not know.

From this, I believe I can only access the database using "user x", but since I don’t know the password for this user, I’m stuck.

My questions are:

1. Is there any way to retrieve or reset the password for "user x" from the MDW file?
2. Can I access the MDB file without knowing the password for "user x"?
3. Are there any tools or methods to bypass the MDW file security or recover the password, especially for the user "x"?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The person who originally created the database is no longer available, and we need to regain access to the data.

Thank you!
Regards
Darshan Hiranandani

 

[arnelgp]

you upload the mdb and mdw files and i will figure it out.

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Be aware that, though it is possible some of us could help, there is a potential legal issue. It will be difficult to conclusively prove ownership of the data and thus, if we provided online assistance regarding how to "break into" that DB, we might become collaborators in data theft. Depending on our local laws, such an act might even be a felony. In my home state of Louisiana, it is a class E felony punishable by a fine and a couple of years in jail. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, but just pointing out that proof of ownership will be difficult for something old enough to use workgroup security.

For that reason, I cannot help you. Others who have different laws in their jurisdictions MIGHT be able to help you, but be aware that breaking into a database can become a legal nightmare.

I cannot publish how to break in, but you should know that you can search the web for articles on breaking into an MDW file. Some years ago - before 2007 - the SAMS Institute declared Access MDAC security as about #5 in its list of the top 20 data security risks available in the database industry. I'm sure that a few articles can still be found. NOTHING ever actually goes away on the Internet. I can't even point to a link since that would cross a line, too. However, what you do with information you researched yourself on the Internet is your business.

 

[Isaac]

Take the ex employee out to lunch - a really nice lunch.