When moving a pst file to a new computer, Outlook will often ask for a password. You may not be forgetful - the moving process does something to make Outlook think there is a password. You will need to use a password recovery utility to get the password. (It will likely be a random generated password, not a passphrase or password you would have used.)
When you add a password to a pst file, every time you start Outlook, a dialog box will ask you for the password. Once you enter the password, the contents of the pst will be accessible to anyone who uses your computer while Outlook is open.
If you know the password but are tired of using it, you can remove it or change it and save it to your password list. If you can't remember the password, see Tools for utilities that can show you the password.
- Right click on the .pst file name in your folder list.
- Choose Properties (Data Files Properties in Outlook 2010 and newer), then Advanced button.
- Click Change Password button.
- Type your password in the Old password field.
- Leave the New password and Verify fields blank.
- Click Ok and work your way back to Outlook.
This dialog is also accessible from File, Account Settings, Data File tab. Select the pst file and click Settings.
Tools to Recover Lost Passwords
Because these apps can read passwords, your security software or browser may block the download as a security threat. You need to allow or trust the download.
[addins name=lostpw]
Worked for me pstpassword reset.
Worked for me pstpassword reset.
Yes me too :)
I am trying to recover a back up pst. When I load up the Nir software, it doesn't show the pst file as an option to recover the password. How do I include it in the initial window?
if a pst is not listed, press F7 (or the File, select pst command) to browse for it.
How can i disable if i forgot my old password
You'll need to use a utility to remove it, such as pstpassword from nirsoft.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/pst_password.html
Hi, does the free program work for 2016? it does not include this version in his comments.
I don't think i tested it with 2016, but if it works in 2013, it should work in 2016 as the pst structure didn't change.
Hi. I only figured out how to make a backup of my Microsoft Outlook 2010 emails and sub-folders about 2 months ago and already I have forgotten the password and am unable to do another export for safe keeping as a result! I blame all the painkillers I'm on! I have Windows 7. Is there a way that is free for me to retrieve the password I used or to remove it and create a new one? I have already tried 4 different passwords and don't know if I should keep trying or not! Thank you.
if you password protected a pst, use pst password utility from nirsoft