Unlock Password Protected PST File in Simple Steps
Looking for a solution on how to open password protected PST files it’s time to cheer. In this blog, you will get to know the simpler methods to unlock the password protected PST file. Having password protected PST file and you are unable to open it. Don’t worry, just read this post and you will be able to open password protected PST file easily.
Nowadays, all people are aware of the privacy concept. So, the password is the crucial thing that everyone is taking care of. You can also apply a password to a PST file. PST files are associated with Outlook. It stores the Outlook data like Emails, Notes, Tasks, Calendars, and Contacts. PST file becomes more extensive over time.
It’s a better approach for protecting PST files. After using the password, only authorized users have the right to open the file. Otherwise, no one can open the password protected PST file. If somebody tries to open it, it will show the wrong password error. Remembering passwords sometimes becomes a tedious task. There is also a scenario when you will forget the password. And the password window is coming repeatedly, which frustrates you.
If you want to know the ways to open password protected PST files, then this is the right place. Now, see what will be the different approaches to unlock password protected PST files and remove the password. You can go with different approaches. One is manual and another is professional. But before that, lets check some facts!
Is It Possible to Apply Password to a PST File?
Yes, the user can apply a password to the PST file from the Outlook interface. The password can be of the user’s choice and can be of any length. Follow the steps to protect the PST file with a password.
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and Navigate to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings
- Select the Data File tab and then choose the Outlook data file (.pst) on which you want to apply a password. After that, select the Change Password option. (Note: You cannot apply a password to Exchange-connected accounts.)
- A dialogue box will appear. Simply provide Old Password, New Password, and Verify Password.
- At last, hit OK to step password on the PST file.
Microsoft Guide for Forgotten Password of PST File

But don’t worry, here you will get an authentic solution to open a password-protected PST file even without knowing the password.
Method-1: Open Password Protected PST File Professionally
The best way to open a Password protected PST file is by using verified tools. This is a professional approach. It doesn’t need any technical expertise to operate it. You can open any number of PST files. There is no need to use the Outlook installation. You can recover any PST file, either ANSI or UNICODE. It is supported by all versions of Outlook. You can also take a look at the best PST password remover software. You can unlock Password Protected PST file and open it easily.
The software allows users to unlock multiple PST files at once. For this, simply browse password protected PST files in the software at once. After that, hit the Remove Password button to unlock password protected PST file.
- Launch the software on your Windows system.
- Add a single or multiple PST files to the software panel.
- Software will show the lock and unlock status of all browsed PST files.
- Hit the Remove Password button to start the password removing the password.
Method-2: Open Password Protected PST File Manually
Outlook is available in many versions in the market now. As you know, till Outlook 2003 there is ANSI PST file was used, and after that, it UNICODE PST file was used. If your Outlook version is 2003 or earlier, then you can go with the pst19upg.exe file.
Below steps listed below may be slightly different in different Outlook versions. Perform the steps carefully.
- Open the scanpst.exe file and click on the Browse button to select the password-protected file.
- Click on Start to Repair
- Tick on Make a backup of scanned file before repairing, then press Ok.
- Copy and paste the path of the PST file in the command prompt. A duplicate copy is created.
- Rename the file as ld PST file.
- Next type pst19upg.exe-filname and press enter.
- A new PST file is created without a password.
- Now, repair the file and import the new PST file into Outlook.
If your Outlook version is after 2003, then you can do it manually using some built-in options in Outlook. You have to follow some steps:-
- Open Outlook, click on File.

- Choose Account settings.

- Select the Data file.

- Click on the PST file which is password protected..
- Tap on Settings.

- Click on Change Password.

- Choose the new password and verify it, and then ok.

Opening password-protected files using manual methods is a tough task. It also requires so much technical knowledge. This way is only applicable for Outlook 2003 and previous versions. What if you are not so good at technical what can you do? Here is the solution for that: you can opt for another way to open a password-protected PST file.
Conclusion
Using passwords on private files is common nowadays. This is also a good approach to keep your data safe and secure. But there is a common problem of forgetting the password. As per the above discussion, if you want to open password protected file. You can use it anyway as per your requirement. It can either be manual or professional. Using the manual method, you can see how many complications can occur. But by using the tool, you can avoid those complications and easily able to open password protected PST file.
