Windows password file (shortcut is PWL) is a file which holds various information users need in order to use the network. (Various passwords are stored and archived here i.e. network password, dial up password etc). PWL files are as useful and serviceable universal storage for all kinds of sensitive information, and are usually used only by Microsoft users.

Password List File (PWL) is a file kept in your PC for Windows OS to check and verify your password and it is not encrypted. In fact, your password is archived in a PWL file using an algorithm that makes the real password invisible to a casual observer.

Older versions, such as the one used for the Windows 95, had a non suitable (or rather poor) encryption (algorithm) and it had to guarantee that the program for decryption of PWL files can be made. This bug was revealed once computers started showing unauthorized access (due to the bad encryption technique).

Newer versions brought a certain improvement in this field. OSR2 version didn’t have the error or a bug like the previous one. Encryption has been improved and today, it is very hard (or almost impossible) to successfully crack the code on a PWL file.

The windows password files or PWL files are considered to be quite safe. But, in order to ensure safety, and prevent any malfunction, error or even unauthorized access it is best to choose long and “difficult” login password for your computer. If you, however, log into your computer, and afterwards leave your computer unsupervised or unattended, there is a real possibility that someone can take your password from the computer memory and use it afterwards without your permission.

Basically we can observe PWL file as a well protected data base. Records consist of three fields: resource type, resource name and resource password. Two of those, resource name and resource password will most likely be in a binary (base-2) format.

Each Windows password file has got a maximum capacity value and that is 255 records, per one PWL file. Windows always uses these files to verify the password at login. It is important to memorize that windows password files do not store the login password. That means that you can access desired PWL file only in case you have user name and the login password, together. Without knowing/providing this information you will not be able to enter PWL files on the computer.

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