Advanced Intuit Password Recovery Tool

What the tool will do

The Advanced Intuit Password Recovery tool, developed by Elcomsoft, was designed to allow businesses to continue to use their valuable data when documents' passwords are lost accidentally or intentionally.  From the accountant's standpoint, this tool is invaluable to quickly disclose what version of QuickBooks is being used.  In addition, it can be used to eliminate wasted time trying to find the password and/or contact the client to obtain the password.  It is also a useful tool when the client forgets, or the bookkeeper leaves without disclosing, the passwords on the QuickBooks files.

The tool works with Quicken versions 4 through 2005 and QuickBooks versions 4 through 2005 and limited support for Quicken 2003.  Note: for Quicken 2002 and higher QuickBooks 2004 and higher, only short passwords can be recovered, but passwords containing 4 or more characters can only be removed.

Be aware that the assumption used throughout this document is that the individual using the tool to disclose or remove the password is authorized to access the data contained in the file.

How to obtain the tool

The tool is a downloadable product that can be obtained by clicking on the following links:

For the free trial version that will disclose the version but not the password visit our web store.

For the fully functioning version of the tool go to our web store.

Once you add the product to the cart, view the cart, and proceed to the checkout, an e-mail with the link to download the product will be received.

1. Download the zip file to your local drive noting where it has been saved.
2. Unzip the file and pay attention to where the file is located.  WinZip or StuffIt Expander is required to unzip the zip file. Both programs are available for free in Mac and PC formats. PC Users: To download a free evaluation version of WinZip 8.1, go to: http://www.winzip.com/ddchomea.htm Mac Users: To download a free version of StuffIt Expander, go to: http://www.stuffit.com/expander/index.html
3. When you unzip the software it will automatically install. 
4. If you purchase the fully functioning version, a key code to "unlock" the software will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours.  To enter the code, simply click on key and you will be prompted to cut and paste the key code number.

How to use the tool

Step 1 – Restore the back up, if necessary

If the client has sent a back up file, restore the file using the most current version of QuickBooks.  When prompted that the file needs to be converted, or when the password is requested, cancel out of the operation.  Usually a message will appear that states that the data has been restored but cannot be opened without the password.

Step 2 – Use the tool

1. Open the program by choosing Start > Programs > Advanced Intuit Password Recovery > Advanced Intuit Password Recovery. 
2. Click on the icon on the upper right corner that looks like a file folder being opened. 
3. A pop up box will appear.  Find the appropriate file.

4. Click on Open.
5. The software will then attempt to recover the passwords.  For QuickBooks version 4-2002 the user name and password will be listed in the pop up box that can be pasted to the clip board.  With version 2003, as in our screen shot example, the passwords are 4 or more characters so they will not be displayed, but they can be removed. 

6. Note that the main screen of the tool shows the version of QuickBooks that was last used for this file.  This is important so the correct version can be used by the accountant if the file is to be returned to the client.
7. To remove the password for version 2003 and higher, click on the appropriate user and the remove password button at the bottom will no longer be grey.  Click on it and the password for that user will be removed.

More information on this topic

Password Recovery Tools