You have an old RAR archive with files you need, and the password is gone. Trying guesses by hand in WinRAR gets you nowhere. RAR Password Recovery from CrackPDF.com is built for this one job: it works through password possibilities for you until the archive opens.
Quick facts
- Version: 2.0
- Platforms: Windows 2000 and later, 32-bit and 64-bit
- Price: $39.95 for a Single-User Personal License
- Trial: a free trial download is offered
- Download size: about 2.40 MB
Key features
Dictionary attack for the likeliest passwords
The program tries likely words and phrases from a built-in dictionary. The vendor recommends this as the first thing to try.
Mask-based brute force when you remember part of the password
If you recall the length or some characters, you can set them in the Brute-force tab. The program then tries only combinations that fit your mask of digits, letters or punctuation, which narrows the search.
Try-everything brute force when you remember nothing
With no clues, you can choose the option that tries all possible combinations one by one.
Saved recovery state so long runs aren't lost
The program can auto-save the recovery state every 15 minutes by default. You can also stop the process at any time with the Stop button.
Who it's for
You'll get the most from it if you own the RAR or WinRAR archive and have lost its password. It's most useful when you remember something about the password, such as its length or a few characters, because the mask option can then save a lot of time.
Pros and cons
- Pro: three attack methods cover cases from "I remember a bit" to "I remember nothing".
- Pro: small download, with a free trial to test it first.
- Pro: runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.
- Con: it only handles RAR/WinRAR archives. Other formats need the vendor's separate tools.
- Con: brute force on a long, complex password can take a very long time, since no attack method guarantees a result.
- Con: it's Windows only.
FAQs
Which attack should I try first?
Start with the dictionary attack, which the vendor recommends. If that fails and you know part of the password, move to the mask attack.
Does it work on 64-bit Windows?
Yes. The vendor lists support for Windows 2000 and later, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Can I try it before paying?
Yes, a free trial download is available from the vendor.
What licenses are there?
The single-user personal license is $39.95. A single-user commercial license is $49.95, and multi-user and site licenses are also sold.
System requirements
Windows 2000 or later, 32-bit or 64-bit. The installer is about 2.40 MB.