Give me my Money!

October 3, 2009 6:56 PM

How to recover/break MS Money password?

Hi, I just migrated to a new computer and am bringing over a backup from Microsoft Money (2002 or 2005).

I backed up the account to a .mny backup file, but when I try to open the file on my new computer, I'm asked for a password, which I don't remember setting (or ever being asked for) on my old computer, and none of my standard passwords seem to work. Gargh.

To complicate issues slightly, I'm traveling this week and don't have access to my old computer, just my .mny file and new Money installation.

So - any way to break/workaround the Money password? I've seen a lot of purported services online, but they seem pretty shady. Thanks!

posted by asuprenant to computers & internet (3 comments total)

Oh, sorry - the backup file is .mbf, not .mby
posted by asuprenant at 6:59 PM on October 3

How badly do you need this? Elcomsoft (a pretty reputable company, given the market) makes a password recovery program that can handle Microsoft Money. It's $199, though.

Their web design could use some work, but Lastbit Software checks out, and their password software is considerably cheaper, at $29.
posted by jedicus at 7:09 PM on October 3

Ah - I actually fixed this! I was trying to open a Money 2007 file on a new Money 2005 installation, so the problem was basic lack of backward-compatibility, but I was thrown for the password request. Thanks!
posted by asuprenant at 8:27 PM on October 3