[q]I think there has been a misunderstanding here. I am not trying to get my private keys back, but the password to my Electrum file. I also used to store private keys in an encrypted zip file. I was very ignorant back then because there weren't many options yet
I have apparently split the password for these files into 2 files, it looks like. I didn't remember that either. I found Part 1 (first 20 characters).
Here is my old thread, I asked something similar.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5523791.0So this thread is part of its continuation or is it different matter. Because you said in the previous thread files were in the encrypted ZIP but here's about missing password...
Anyway possibility of brute forcing is same if it's 20 missing chars in pass or private keys but can you make it clear, the private keys are backed up right so it's lost or in your possession? If you have keys you can simply import the address in new wallet irrespective of encrypted Electrum file.
can be possible for password recovery.