Internet Explorer is an outdated browser and is not recommended for use anymore. However, some users may still have saved passwords on their IE browser that they need to retrieve. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to get saved passwords on Internet Explorer.
Retrieving passwords from an IE browser can be useful in situations where you have forgotten a password or need to access a website that you previously saved a password for. However, it is important to note that retrieving passwords without permission is unethical and may be illegal. We advise that you only retrieve passwords that you have saved yourself.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we begin, you will need a few things:
- A computer running Windows with Internet Explorer installed.
- Access to the user account that the passwords were saved under.
- Administrative access to the computer for certain methods.
What Requires Your Focus?
Retrieving saved passwords on Internet Explorer requires attention to detail and following instructions carefully. It is important to be aware of the risks of retrieving passwords without permission and to only retrieve passwords that you have saved yourself.
Different Methods to Get Saved Passwords on Internet Explorer
In this section, we will be discussing three different methods to retrieve saved passwords on Internet Explorer.
Method 1: Via Internet Options
This method is the easiest and quickest way to retrieve saved passwords on Internet Explorer.
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the “Settings” gear icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Internet Options” from the drop-down menu.
- In the Internet Options window, select the “Content” tab and click “Settings” under AutoComplete.
- Click on “Manage Passwords”.
- A new window will open with a list of websites and usernames that have saved passwords. Click on the “Show” button next to the password field to reveal the saved password.
Pros:
- Quick and easy method.
- No additional software or technical skills required.
Cons:
- Only works if passwords are saved using AutoComplete.
- Passwords may not be displayed as plaintext (asterisks may still be present).
Method 2: Using Registry Editor
This method involves editing the Windows Registry and should only be attempted by advanced users.
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R and enter “regedit”.
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\IntelliForms\Storage2.
- On the right side of the pane, look for a subkey that has the website name or URL that you want to retrieve the password for.
- Double-click the subkey and look for a value named “data” in the right pane. The saved password should be displayed as plaintext.
Pros:
- Works even if passwords are not saved using AutoComplete.
Cons:
- Editing the Windows Registry can be dangerous and may cause irreversible damage to your system if done incorrectly.
- Requires advanced technical skills.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
This method involves using third-party software to retrieve saved passwords. There are several free and paid software options available online. One such option is Password Recovery Bundle.
- Download and install Password Recovery Bundle on your computer.
- Launch the software and select “Internet Explorer Password” under Password Recovery.
- The software will display a list of websites and usernames with saved passwords, along with the plaintext passwords.
Pros:
- Works for most versions of Internet Explorer and other browsers.
- Also recovers passwords from other applications such as email clients and instant messengers.
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
- Paid software may require a subscription or license.
Why Can’t I Get Saved Passwords on Internet Explorer?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to retrieve saved passwords on Internet Explorer:
1. Passwords were not saved using AutoComplete.
In this case, you will not be able to retrieve the passwords using Method 1. You can try using Method 2 or 3.
2. Passwords were saved under a different user account.
If the passwords were saved under a different user account, you will not be able to retrieve them unless you have administrative access to the computer.
3. Passwords were cleared or deleted.
If the passwords were cleared or deleted, they cannot be retrieved.
Fixes:
- Try using Method 2 or 3.
- Ensure that you are logged in under the correct user account.
- Ensure that the passwords have not been cleared or deleted.
Implications and Recommendations
Retrieving passwords without permission is unethical and may be illegal. We advise that you only retrieve passwords that you have saved yourself. It is also important to note that using third-party software to retrieve passwords may pose a security risk, as the software can potentially access and store sensitive information.
If you need to retrieve a password, we recommend using Method 1 or 2, as they do not involve downloading additional software and are less likely to pose a security risk.
5 FAQs about Getting Saved Passwords on Internet Explorer
Q1: Is it legal to retrieve saved passwords on Internet Explorer?
A: Retrieving passwords without permission is unethical and may be illegal. We advise that you only retrieve passwords that you have saved yourself.
Q2: Can I retrieve passwords saved under a different user account?
A: If the passwords were saved under a different user account, you will not be able to retrieve them unless you have administrative access to the computer.
Q3: What should I do if I can’t retrieve my saved passwords?
A: Try using Method 2 or 3, and ensure that you are logged in under the correct user account and that the passwords have not been cleared or deleted.
Q4: Is using third-party software safe to retrieve saved passwords?
A: Using third-party software to retrieve passwords may pose a security risk, as the software can potentially access and store sensitive information.
Q5: Which method is the easiest and quickest?
A: Method 1 is the easiest and quickest method, as it does not involve downloading additional software and only requires a few clicks.
In Conclusion
Retrieving saved passwords on Internet Explorer can be useful in certain situations, but it is important to be aware of the risks and ethical implications. We advise that you only retrieve passwords that you have saved yourself and do not use third-party software unless necessary. We hope this blog post has provided you with useful information on how to retrieve saved passwords on Internet Explorer.