Recovery PST Password: Troubleshooting “Cannot Open PST File” Due to Forgotten Password
By Lisa Allen 06-11-2025 37
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix PST Password Recovery Issues
For Microsoft Outlook users, the PST (Personal Storage Table) file, which holds contacts, calendars, notes, emails, and other information, is essential. However, messages like "Cannot Open PST File" or "Password Protected PST File" can show up when we forget our Outlook PST file password. It is unable to access data & emails.
If you're experiencing a similar problem, this blog is for you. Here, we'll explain how to recover your PST password, both manually and using third-party tools.
Causes: The main reasons for the "Cannot Open PST File" error:
- The Outlook PST file is password-protected.
The file could not be accessed if the password is misplaced or forgotten.
The PST file is corrupted or damaged.
Repeatedly entering the wrong password can lock the Outlook file.
Method 1 Trying to Recover the PST Password Using the Manual Method
Microsoft does not directly offer a PST password recovery option, even if an application similar to "pst19upg.exe" was available for previous Outlook versions. Unfortunately, because of its complexity, this approach is not supported by the most recent versions of MS Outlook (Outlook 2016/2019/2021).
Limitations
Only works in older Outlook versions.
Risk of data loss.
Technical knowledge required.
Because of this method is no longer considered secure and effective.
Method 2 Recover the Outlook PST Password with a Third-Party Tool
If you want to recover or remove the password from your Outlook PST file without any risk, a third-party tool is the easiest & fastest solution.
GainTools PST Password Recovery Software is a professional software specifically designed to remove or recover passwords from Outlook PST files. This tool unlocks your locked PST file in seconds without any data loss.
Key Features:
Supports PST files of any size whether the PST file is small or very large, this tool can easily recover it.
Compatible with all Outlook versions, Supports all versions including Outlook 97, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Password recovery without data loss, the software only removes passwords and does not harm your emails, contacts, notes, or any other data.
Supports three types of passwords, this tool can recover strong, medium, and weak passwords alike.
The majority of non-technical users can use it without guidance because of how simple its user interface is.
Fast and 100% secure processing, Remove the password and reopen your PST file in just a few clicks.
How to use PST Password Recovery Software?
First, download and install GainTools PST Password Recovery Tool on your system.
Open the software and browse to your password-protected PST file by clicking “Add PST File.”
Click the “Recover Password” button.
In a few seconds, the software will display the password for your Outlook PST file.
You can now remove it or secure it with a new password.
At long last,
It's vital to realize that using independent applications like PST Password Recovery is the easiest & best option
when you run into problems like "Cannot Open PST File" or "Password Protected PST. Manual methods are out of date and risky.
This tool not only removes the password but also makes Outlook easy to access while keeping your data safe.
