Summary: Most Outlook users secure their PST files by enabling password protection. However, some of them have to deal with Outlook data file password lost. In such a scenario, they become unable to access their mailbox data. Here, we explain some effective solutions when you forgot PST file password. As a bonus, we disclose the best PST Password Recovery for removing any password from the Outlook PST file securely. So, read the complete article to know how to recover lost password for an Outlook data file (PST).
Overview: MS Outlook provides many updated features to its users to secure their valuable data. One such approach is to enable password protection for the Outlook PST file. This method is quite effective but often users say, “I forgot my Outlook data file password after enabling it.” Now, they have no access to their own data.
To deal with this, we have a simple procedure that hardly takes a minute provided that you perform it properly. Microsoft provides two inbuilt utilities scanpst.exe and pst19upg.exe. By using them, you can disable the encryption while upgrading the version of the PST file. But before that, let us learn about pst19upg.exe.
What is pst19upg.exe used for?
The pst19upg.exe is an application developed by Microsoft to upgrade the Outlook PST files to version 19. This utility used to come with Outlook 2003 and earlier versions. During the Outlook PST version upgrade, if the file is password protected, pst19upg.exe creates a new file that does not have any password protection.
Indeed, it is a limitation, but if you are a user dealing with the ‘Outlook data file password incorrect’ problem, it will be beneficial for you. You can use the pst19upg.exe as an application to remove password protection from the encrypted PST file. This inbuilt Outlook utility is only useful to upgrade ANSI files and does not support UNICODE encoding.
Methods to Recover Outlook Data File Password Lost
There are two main approaches to accessing your Outlook data file if its password has been lost. The first solution is the manual method which requires you to perform some simple steps. In this method, you use the pst19upg.exe to remove password protection from the file. You can also use the third-party application which is the easiest approach to recovering Outlook data file passwords if lost.
Use pst19upg.exe If you forgot Outlook data file password
- Go to the following location in File Explorer.
MS Outlook 2019 – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
MS Outlook 2016 – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
MS Outlook 2013 – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15
MS Outlook 2010 – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14
MS Outlook 2007 – C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
- Search for the exe application and open it.
- Now, click on the Browse button and choose the desired PST file.
- After that, click on the Start button to initiate the file scanning.
- After completing the file scanning, click on the Repair button to repair the file.
- Now, press Win+R to open the run command and type cmd. Press the Enter
- Type the location of exe and Outlook data file. Hit the Enter button to create a duplicate file with the .psx extension.
- Then type the following command and press the Enter
path of PST file\pst19upg.exe -x path of pst file\outlook-copy.PSX.
As you perform the above procedure, it will create a copy of the password-protected PST file without the password. Thus, it is a method that you can use to access your PST file if the Outlook data file password lost.
Use MS Outlook to Remove Password Protection
Note: You must know the existing password of the PST file.
- Open the MS Outlook application in your system.
- Click on the File button and select the Account Settings
- It will open the Account Settings Switch to the data file tab.
- Now, select the password-protected data file. Click on the Settings
- A pop-up wizard will appear. Click on the Change Password
- Provide the enabled password and leave the new password and verify password field empty. Click OK.
The above procedure will remove password protection from the file. However, this method will only work when you know the enabled password on the file.
Limitations of the Above Manual Approach
The manual methods are effective but they are not suitable for every user. There are various limitations related to these methods. Below we mention some of the most common limitations.
- The steps mentioned in the manual methods are not feasible for all users.
- The chances of file corruption are high. Any minor mistake may lead to data loss.
- The manual approach is complicated and time-consuming.
- The effectiveness of the procedure may vary depending on the version of the PST file.
Because of these drawbacks, we suggest you opt for a more advanced and reliable solution to deal with the Outlook data file password lost.
Professional Solution to Recover Outlook Data File Password
DRS PST Password Remover Tool is a highly recommended tool to recover Outlook data file passwords. You do not need to know the current PST password to unlock the file. Along with that, the application allows you to set a new password on the PST file. The PST password remover has quite an interactive GUI and supports all versions of Outlook PST files. Therefore, it is the best solution to access a PST file when an Outlook PST file password forgotten.
Bottom Line
After reading this article, you have learned how you can recover the PST Outlook data file password lost using the pst19upg.exe and an inbuilt functionality of MS Outlook. Along with that, we explained the professional PST password remover tool. It is the best solution if you want to remove the password quickly and effectively.
