combinations

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When my brother passed away, he left a safe for me. Unfortunately he didn’t leave me the combination. Is it possible or feasible to list all possible 1 or 2 digit numbers (3) from 0 to 99 on a worksheet to use process of elimination? If so, how would one do it?

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You do realize that there are just short of 1 MILLION combinations?! 980,100 to be exact. That is calculated by 100*99*99 normally it would be 100^3 = 100*100*100 but since in a safe combination you never have the same number twice in a row you get the first formula, at least I think that is correct as I’m no mathematician!

What I’d do is find the manufacturer of the safe and see if there is a serial number of some kind then contact the manufacturer and see if they can help you. :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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A hacksaw would be quicker :mellow:

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You might consider applying your ‘psychic’ energies to identifying significant number in his life. Most people choose numeric codes based on birth dates, combination of dates (like two children born in 1980 and 1986… they might choose 8086), first or last digits of a social security or personal identity number.

Other than trying nearly a million possibilities or contacting the manufacturer or engaging a locksmith/safe cracker, I think this is the most efficient approach. Just keep track of the numbers you try so you don’t repeat.

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If you split the numbers at fifty, and then go for higher-lower-higher, I reckon that you could manage less that half-hour per day trying all higher-lower-higher combinations and it would only take less than a year.

Of course, if the number is lower-higher-lower then you’ll have to start over for another year.

And if it’s higher-higher-lower then another year, and if it’s..
oh never mind, just thought it would give you something to do.
Bit of a blow if it were empty though.

zeddy

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