How to Extract a Password Hash Yourself

For security reasons, many users ask if it's possible to initiate password recovery without uploading files directly to the LostMyPass website. The answer is yes! However, you'll need to extract the file hash yourself on your computer. Obtaining a file's hash value may seem complicated for those unfamiliar with technical processes. If you're unsure about doing this yourself, consider asking a tech-savvy friend or professional to assist you.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for extracting hashes from various password-protected files, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF, Zip, and Rar archives.

Windows or Linux

Extracting a hash requires basic familiarity with command-line interfaces and the installation of third-party tools. Most users operate on Windows, which might present some challenges. Linux users generally have an easier time, as they tend to be more familiar with command-line terminals and package managers.

All instructions provided below are tailored for Windows users. Linux users should easily adapt these instructions to their systems. If you have any difficulties, please contact our technical support.

Step 1. Create a Folder

First, create a dedicated working folder. For convenience, create it directly in the root directory of your system drive. For example, on the C: drive, create a folder named Hash. Copy the password-protected file into this folder.

Step 2. Open the Command Prompt

You now need to open the Command Prompt. Press Win + R, type cmd in the dialog box, and click OK.

In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the working folder using this command:

cd C:\Hash

Confirm you're in the correct folder by typing dir. You should see your file listed. If you do, you're ready to continue.

Step 3. Extracting the Hash

The exact method to extract the hash will depend on the type of file. Keep the Command Prompt window open; you'll need it shortly. Next, you'll download and use a specific utility depending on your file type.

MS Office Files

Download the office2john.py script.

Place the office2john.py file in your C:\Hash folder. You'll also need Python installed on your computer — download it from the official website. Once Python is installed, run the following command in the Command Prompt (replace your_file.xlsx with your file name):

python office2john.py your_file.xlsx > hash.txt

If successful, you'll find a file called hash.txt in your working folder containing the extracted hash.

PDF Files

Download the pdf2john.pl script.

Copy pdf2john.pl into the C:\Hash folder. You must have Perl installed on your computer — download it from the official Perl website. After installation, run this command (replace your_file.pdf with your file name):

perl pdf2john.pl your_file.pdf > hash.txt

If done correctly, a file named hash.txt with your hash will appear in your folder.

Zip/Rar Files

For Zip and Rar archives, use zip2john and rar2john, utilities included with John the Ripper.

Note: The John the Ripper tools were originally created for Unix-like systems and later adapted for Windows. Some users experience issues extracting hashes on Windows. Therefore, it's recommended to perform this on Linux or seek assistance from someone familiar with Linux.

Use these commands (replace your_file.zip or your_file.rar with your file name):

For Zip files:

zip2john your_file.zip > hash.txt

For Rar files:

rar2john your_file.rar > hash.txt

If successful, hash.txt will be created. Note that archives can contain multiple passwords—each line in hash.txt represents a different encrypted file. You will be charged separately for each password recovered.

Step 4. Send Us the Hash

Attach the hash.txt file in an email to us. If our system recognizes your hash, we will begin the password recovery process and provide you with a link to track your order status.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please note: manually initiated orders using file hashes are always considered paid services, even if the password turns out to be weak. See our Prices page for more details.

Proof of Success

When customers upload files directly to our website, we can provide proof by sending screenshots of the unlocked documents. However, with manually initiated processes based on hashes, we can't offer such proof beforehand. You'll need to complete payment to receive your password or, alternatively, provide the original file so we can generate proof for you.

Legal Notes

We respect copyrights and will only process password recovery or removal requests from the legitimate owners of the files. Please review and accept our Terms and Conditions before using our services.