PSW Types

Chief PSW Description

.PSW

Formatting:	.psw
Group:	Windows Password Reset Disk File

The Forgot Password Wizard for Windows creates this type of backup file. The file is stored in media like floppy disk and USB drive and is used for resetting passwords for Windows users. It's normally named userkey.psw.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
Class:	Uncommon Files
Folder:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.psw

Software Programs That Open The Windows Password Reset Disk File:

Password Reset Disk by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Alternative PSW Types

.PSW

Formatting:	.psw
Group:	Password Depot 3-5 File

Versions 3 to 5 of Password Deport program creates this type of PSW file. The file stores sensitive information such as passwords, personal logins, and credit cards. It is encrypted with a master password that controls its accessibility.

Author:	AceBIT
Class:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open Password Depot 3-5 File Files:

Password Depot by AceBIT

Compatible with:

Windows

.PSW

Formatting:	.psw
Group:	Pocket Word Document

A word processor application called Pocket Word creates this type of text document. The application is designed for Pocket PC devices. The PSW file consists of document data like formatting, text, and images. You can import it to a .DOC format.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
Class:	Text Files

Software Programs That Open Pocket Word Document Files:

Apache OpenOffice by Apache Software Foundation

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

Android

Linux

LibreOffice by The Document Foundation

Compatible with:

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Linux

Microsoft Word by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

Softmaker Office by SoftMaker Software

Compatible with:

Windows

Android

Linux

Qtopia

Microsoft Outlook by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

NeoOffice by Planamesa Software Inc.

Compatible with:

Mac

Pocket Word by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Microsoft OneNote by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

	Windows
	Windows Phone

	Mac
	iOS

Android

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Sources of PSW Problems

Issues Opening PSW Files

Password Reset Disk Disappeared

When you double-click your PSW file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because Password Reset Disk isn't installed on your PC. The OS won't know what to do with your PSW file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.

Tip: If you know of another program that can open your PSW file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.

Wrong Version of Password Reset Disk is Installed

Sometimes your installed version of Password Reset Disk won't support your Windows Password Reset Disk File file. If you do not have the proper version Password Reset Disk (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. Your Windows Password Reset Disk File file was probably created by a newer release of Password Reset Disk than what's currently installed your computer.

Tip: Investigate your PSW file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.

Conclusion: The majority of PSW file opening issues are due to not having the correct Password Reset Disk version installed.

Other PSW File Opening Causes

You can still experience errors opening PSW files even with the latest version of Password Reset Disk installed on your PC. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening PSW files. Issues that aren't software-related:

• Invalid PSW file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Corruption of the PSW file description inside the Registry
• Partial installation of Password Reset Disk that did not fully complete
• File corruption affecting your PSW file
• Malware-tainted PSW file can't be opened
• Device drivers of the hardware associated with your PSW file are corrupt or out-of-date
• Windows has inadequate resources to open your Windows Password Reset Disk File file