Microsoft KB Archive/193545

= Password protection lost when saving as earlier versions =

Article ID: 193545

Article Last Modified on 9/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Word 6.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Word 6.0a
 * Microsoft Word 6.0c
 * Microsoft Word 95 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Word 95a

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This article was previously published under Q193545





SYMPTOMS
When you try to open a password protected file in Word, one or more of the following error messages may be displayed:

Cannot convert password protected documents

Word cannot open the document.



CAUSE
Access to a file is restricted when the document has been saved with any type of password protection. All of the converters in Microsoft Word will not convert password protected files.



WORKAROUND
Open and re-save the document without password protection in the original program before you open the document in Word.



MORE INFORMATION
In Microsoft Word 6.0 or in Word for Windows 95, version 7.0, you cannot convert a password-protected file from Word 97.

Similarly, you cannot convert a password-protected file created in another word processor (such as Word Perfect, AmiPro, or Enable) from any version of Word.

NOTE: The password protection feature in Word requires you to type a case- sensitive password before you can open a document. Word converters do not prompt you for the password, and will not allow you to convert a password protected document.

