S7-1200 Password Unlock [upd] File

Default state. Anyone can read and modify both hardware and software configurations.

The S7-1200 uses "Know-How Protection" (KHP). When enabled, the blocks (OBs, FBs, DBs) are encrypted. Without the password, you cannot view the logic. However, the PLC can still run the program. The unlock process is not about erasing the password (which would brick the safety functionality) but about bypassing the authentication layer to read the memory. S7-1200 Password Unlock