How to Remove forgotten password from PST file Outlook

Whenever you try to move your PST file to a new computer or any other device, Outlook will sometimes ask you for the PST file password. But the user forgets the passwords and to remove forgotten password from PST file Outlook. You must use some methods and techniques to remove the Outlook data file password.

Understanding PST Files and Their Importance

PST files are personal folders used by Microsoft Outlook to store data like emails, contacts, and calendar items. These files are stored locally on a user’s computer and can be password-protected for additional security. For businesses and individuals who rely heavily on email communication, PST files often contain valuable information that needs to be kept secure and accessible.

Why Use a Password on a PST File?

Setting a password on a PST file is a common practice for users who want to ensure that their data remains private and secure. Whether it’s protecting sensitive business communications or personal information, a password adds an extra layer of security. However, this security measure can become a significant hurdle if the password is forgotten.

The Drawbacks of Forgetting a PST File Password

Forgetting the password to a PST file can lead to several issues, including:

1. Inaccessibility of Data: The most immediate consequence is losing access to all the emails and data stored within the PST file. This can be particularly problematic if the file contains crucial information.
2. Disruption of Workflow: If the PST file is tied to ongoing projects or essential communications, being locked out can disrupt your work and lead to delays.
3. Difficulty in Recovery: Recovering or removing the password is not always straightforward. It might require specialized tools or services, which can be time-consuming and costly.
4. Security Risks: Using third-party tools for password recovery can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access, particularly if the tools are not from reputable sources.

Techniques to Remove Forgotten Password from PST File Outlook

If you’ve forgotten the password to your PST file, don’t panic. Several methods can help you regain access to your data. Below are some of the most effective solutions.

Method 1. How to Remove a PST File Password Using Outlook

If you are aware of the PST file password and want to change or remove the data file encryption. Follow these instructions to remove or change the Outlook PST file password.

1. First, find the PST file in your folder list and right-click on that file.
2. Now select the properties option and click on the advanced setting button.
3. Click the Change Password button.
4. Type your password in the Old password field.
5. If you want to remove the password leave the new passwords and verify fields blank.
6. And if you want to change the password just enter the new password in the new password field and click on the change button.
7. Click Ok and work your way back to Outlook.

Method 2. Remove PST password using pst19upg.exe

The pst19upg.exe is a tool utility provided by Microsoft that is mainly used to change the format of the PST file in the older versions of Outlook. However, this utility can remove the PST file passwords.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Close MS Outlook and create a copy of the PST file.
2. Now Run the SCANPST.exe and repair the PST copy.
3. After that, move the file to the pst19upg.exe location and open the command prompt now.
4. Enter the path of the pst19upg.exe and click the Enter button.
5. Now enter pst19upg.exe -x PSTFileCopy.pst and hit the Enter key.
6. After that, a new file PSTFileCopy.psx is created.
7. Then just rename the original PST file with a different name.
8. Enter pst19upg.exe -i PSTFileCopy.psx and hit the Enter key.
9. At last, it will make a new file without containing the password.

Method 3. Remove Forgotten Password from PST File Outlook Using the Professional Tool 

Use SysTools PST Encryption Remover to remove the Outlook PST file password and recover your PST file data. This approach comes with user user-friendly interface and the process of removing encryption from PST files is easy even a non-technical person can also use this method. 

Follow the Steps given below to Recover the Outlook PST File Password 

1. Firstly, download and install the professional tool in your system.
2. Now click on the “Add File” or “Add Folder” button to add the encrypted Outlook PST file.
3. Then click on the “Next” button and check the status of the PST file whether it is locked or not and if it is locked.
4. Then last, tap on the “Erase Password” button to recover the password from the PST file.

Best Practices to Avoid Future Password Issues

To avoid the frustration of forgetting a PST file password in the future, consider the following best practices:

1. Use a Password Manager: A reliable password manager can securely store and organize your passwords, making them easy to retrieve when needed.
2. Regular Backups: Regularly back up your PST files to avoid data loss in case of password issues or file corruption.
3. Document Passwords Securely: If you prefer not to use a password manager, ensure that your passwords are documented securely in a place where you can easily find them.
4. Use Strong, Memorable Passwords: Create strong but memorable passwords, or use a pattern or phrase that is difficult to forget.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have discussed how to remove forgotten password from PST file Outlook. And give an introduction to PST files, why we use encryption on PST files, drawbacks of forgetting a PST file password. Also, we have mentioned the different techniques to remove the PST file encryption. Users can choose any of these methods to get rid of the password issue. But i recommend to go for the professional method because it is super easy to use and the privacy and security of your private data are very important.