Unlock PST: Complete Guide to PST Files Stored in Backup Won't Open Without Password

Forgot PST Backup Password? Best Ways to Access Outlook Data

Microsoft Outlook is currently one of the most widely used email clients. In Outlook, all emails, contacts, calendar entries, notes, & attachments are stored in a PST (Personal Storage Table) file. Users often back up their PST files, saving them to an external drive, the cloud, or their local system. However, a problem arises when a PST file stored in a backup fails to open—typically because it is password-protected & the user has forgotten the password.

If you are facing such an issue, this comprehensive guide is for you. In this article, we will cover:

1. What is a PST file?
2. Why won't a PST backup file open?
3. How to unlock a PST file in Outlook using the manual method?
4. How to remove a PST password using a professional third-party tool?
5. FAQs

What is a PST File?

A PST (Personal Storage Table) is a data file used by Microsoft Outlook that stores a user's entire mailbox data. This includes:

• Emails
• Contacts
• Calendar
• Tasks
• Notes
• Attachments

A PST file is typically created when a user backs up their Outlook data.

Why Won't a PST File Stored in a Backup Open?

There could be several reasons why a PST file fails to open:

1. Password Protection

Users commonly secure their Outlook PST files with a password.

2. Forgotten Password

Users may forget the password if the backup is old.

3. Corrupted PST File

The file may become corrupted during the backup process.

4. Unsupported Outlook Version

A more updated version of Outlook may have problems opening an older PST file.

5. File Permission Issues

Permissions on an external drive or network location can also cause problems.

How to Unlock a PST File in Outlook Using the Manual Method

If you remember the old password, the PST password can be removed from within Outlook.

Method 1: Remove PST Password via Outlook

Step-by-Step Process

•  Run MS Outlook.
• Click on the 'File' tab located at the top.
• Select Account Settings → Account Settings.
• Go to the 'Data Files' page now.
• Select the password-protected PST file.
• Click on the 'Settings' button.
• Now, select the 'Change Password' option.
• Enter the 'Old Password'.
• Leave the 'New Password' field blank.
• Leave the 'Verify Password' field blank as well.
• Click 'OK'.

Your PST file will now open without requiring a password.

Limitations of the Manual Method

Although the manual method is simple, it has certain limitations:

1. Knowledge of the old password is required.
2. Big PST files may be an issue.
3. Passwords that have been forgotten cannot be recovered.

If you do not remember the password, you will require a professional tool.

How to Unlock a PST Password Using a Third-Party Tool

When manual methods fail, a professional PST password recovery tool is the best option.

Why Use a Professional Tool?

A good PST Unlock Tool offers you the following features:

• Forgotten Password Recovery
• Instant PST Unlock
• Large PST File Handling
• Outlook Compatibility
• Read-only Safe Recovery

Recommended PST Password Recovery Tool

Several professional tools are available in the market that can remove or recover PST passwords.

You can get it that DataVare Outlook Password Recovery Expert is a good choice. With the use of this program, you can receive back into your locked PST files by recovering or deleting your Outlook PST passwords.

Process for Using a Third-Party Tool

Step 1:

Install the PST Password Recovery Tool on your system.

Step 2:

Open the software.

Step 3:

Select the “Add PST File” or “Browse” option.

Step 4:

Select the locked PST file.

Step 5:

Click on the “Recover Password” or “Remove Password” option.

Step 6:

The tool will recover or reset the password.

Step 7:

Now, import the PST file into Outlook.

How to Import a PST File in Outlook

To import a PST file after removing the password:

Step 1:

Open Outlook.

Step 2:

Go to File → Open & Export.

Step 3:

Select Import/Export.

Step 4:

Select “Import from another program or file.”

Step 5:

Select Outlook Data File (.pst).

Step 6:

Browse for the PST file and import it.

Points to Keep in Mind When Recovering PST Passwords

Always Create a Backup

• Always keep a secure copy of the original PST file.

Use Only Trusted Software

• Unknown or free cracked tools can cause data loss.

Be Patient with Large PST Files

• Very large PST files may take time to process.

Do Not Disable Your Antivirus

• Maintain your security.

Benefits of Unlocking PST Files

• Access to old emails
• Recovery of legal or business data
• Reusability of archived emails
• Simplified Outlook migration

Are Free PST Password Recovery Tools Safe?

Free tools are not always safe. Many tools:

• May introduce malware
• Can corrupt data
• Can damage PST files

Using professional, trusted software is safer.

Conclusion

Forgetting the password for a PST file stored in a backup is a common issue. If you know the old password, it can be easily removed using Outlook's manual method. However, in the case of a forgotten password, a professional third-party PST password recovery tool proves to be the most effective solution.

By utilizing the right tool and following the correct procedure, you can easily regain access to your Outlook PST files.

FAQs

Q1. Can a PST file be opened without a password?

• Yes, provided the password is removed or recovered.

Q2. Can a PST password be removed within Outlook?

• Yes, if the old password is known.

Q3. How do I recover a forgotten PST password?

• With the help of a professional PST password recovery tool.

Q4. Is PST Password Recovery safe?

• Yes, if you use a trusted tool.

Q5. Are all versions of Outlook supported?

• Most professional tools support Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, etc.

Q6. Should I use free tools?

• Use free tools only from trusted sources.