Some S7-200s use a small plug-in memory cartridge. If the password was set on the PLC but not the cartridge (or vice versa), you might find an older, unprotected version of the code there.
The S7-200 was designed in the late 1990s. Its encryption is not military-grade. The password hash is stored in plaintext or lightly obfuscated form in the system memory block (SMB). Siemens S7-200 Password Unlock
The S7-200 uses different protection levels. If the PLC was set to a lower level of protection, you might still be able to perform certain tasks. No protection (Full access). Read-only (Requires password for writing). Full protection (Requires password for reading or writing). 3. Password Recovery Services Some S7-200s use a small plug-in memory cartridge
This tool is typically found on the original STEP 7-Micro/WIN installation CD. 3. Hardware Factory Reset (MRES) Its encryption is not military-grade