CrackMe® Practices for Newbies
PROJECT 5: zipfile.exe

Answer from WinZip Tech Support
Thursday, 11-Feb-99 07:09:01
    209.179.43.196 writes:

    I am writing in response to your message:

    > I put a password on a file I zipped and now I forgot it. Is there a way
    > to fix it because I deleted the files I zipped? Thanks

    Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to assist with this problem.
    WinZip uses the industry standard Zip 2.0 encryption format. PKWARE
    Inc., the developers of this encryption method, have the following to
    say about encryption:

    The encryption scheme used by PKZIP is complex and robust. The
    encryption key is used to generate a number of binary encryption keys
    which are in turn used to determine how the compressed data is
    altered. Neither the original key or the derived keys are stored with
    the .ZIP file, nor are they retained anywhere else for that matter.
    This means you must remember the encryption key.


    *********************************************************************
    * IF YOU LOSE THE ORIGINAL ENCRYPTION KEY YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO *
    * EXTRACT THE FILE(S). *
    *********************************************************************


    It is also not possible to derive the original keys by examining the
    compressed data, or by analysis of original data versus encrypted
    data. This means that if you loose the key, there is no way to find
    it. PKWARE Inc. has no special means or technology for deriving the
    key or extracting the data without the key.

    The only help I can suggest is in the form of a password guessing
    program. You can get one at:

    ftp://ftp.bokler.com/bokler/fzc105.zip

    Please note that we do not create or support this or any other password
    guessing product. If you have chosen a short, simple password, this
    program may be able to help you find it.

    Please let us know if you have further questions.

    WinZip Technical Support

    Hmmmmm......


Message thread:

PC Mentor's Thread (PC Mentor) (10-Feb-99 01:55:30)

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