Remove password from Outlook PST file

Manual Method to unlock Outlook files

Method #1 Pst19upg.exe

It is an inbuilt utility that comes with MS Outlook to unlock the password protected files. To unlock the files, user must know the location of the inbuilt utility (scanPST.exe) in the concerned Outlook version

• Location in MS Outlook 2002 & XP:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPI\\scanpst.exe
• Location in MS Outlook 2000:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MAPI\\NT\scanpst.exe
• Location in MS Outlook 97 or 98:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\Windows Messaging\scanpst.exe

Note: Make sure to create a backup copy of the PST file first and perform the following action on this copy after repairing it with the scanPST.exe or the Inbox Repair tool.

Steps to unlock PST file with pst19upg.exe:

1. Close MS Outlook window.
2. Click Start->Run->Type CMD and press Enter.
3. Copy the PST file path into CMD.
4. It will create a copy of the PST file. Once done the rename the original PST file with newly created PST file.
5. In command prompt, type “pst19upg.exe-newfilename.psx” and press enter.
6. Now, a password free file is created. Now, Run ‘Scanpst.exe’ and repair the newly created file.
7. Open MS Outlook and access the concerned file.

Some Drawbacks of ‘Pst19upg.exe’

Every time user cannot make use of the Pst19upg.exe as the type of criticality may vary each time. There are certain drawbacks which must be known to the user.

• Pst19upg.exe doesn’t woks with MS Outlook 2003 and higher versions.
• So, it supports ANSI format not the UNICOE.

Method #2- From Outlook Settings when Password is known

To uncover the files from password protection using Outlook settings, user is advised to follow the following steps:

1. Click on the .pst file name in your folder list.
   
2. Choose Properties->Advanced button.
   
3. Click on Change Password->type Old Password and leave the field for the new password.
   
   
4. Now, you can access the Outlook file without need of any authorization.

Note: Another way to reach the change password page is via Account Settings in Outlook. Go to File>Account Settings>Account Settings. Switch to the Data Files tab, select the PST file and then click on the Settings option. The Outlook Data File page will open from where you can change or remove the password of the file if the old PST password is known.

Technical Assistance from Third-Party Tool

To fetch the perfect PST repair solution for removing password from protected PST files, most professionals suggest taking assistance from the recommended third-party solution. These third-party tools are designed to fix the related issues without affecting the functionalities of other files and the original properties of the PST file. It fixes corrupt or damaged PST files readily, even encrypted ones and makes the data accessible for users once again.