Access PassView: Complete Guide to Recovering Lost Windows Passwords

How to Use Access PassView to Retrieve Application Credentials

What it does

• Purpose: Recovers the main database password from password-protected Microsoft Access .mdb files created with Access 95/97/2000/XP (Jet 3.0/4.0).
• Limitations: Cannot recover user-level passwords; may fail for passwords longer than 18 characters on Access 2000/XP (older docs cite shorter limits for some builds).

Steps (portable, no install)

1. Download Access PassView (accesspv.exe) from the official NirSoft page and unzip.
2. Run accesspv.exe (no installation or extra DLLs required).
3. Click “Get Password” and select the .mdb file, or:
   • Drag & drop the .mdb into the program window, or
   • Run from command line: accesspv.exe C:\path\to\file.mdb
4. The recovered main database password will appear in the main text box.
5. Save or copy the shown password as needed.

Notes & cautions

• Use only on files you own or are authorized to access.
• The tool is freeware and provided “AS IS”—always scan downloaded executables and use in a controlled environment.
• For newer Access formats (post-2003) or stronger passwords, consider modern recovery tools or paid alternatives.