Password protected Microsoft Outlook .PST file

Zhetmasta

50 pts.

Tags:

.PST files

Microsoft Outlook 2003

Office 2003

Password

User's .pst file has password set on it, such that if I reinstall Office 2003 package it requests for Personal Folders password..How do I reset and/or remove this configuration

Asked: April 11, 2009 10:44 AM Last updated: August 8, 2009 7:45 AM

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Last updated: April 13, 2009 1:35 PM GMT

alessandro.panzetta9,725 pts.
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Thanks. We'll let you know when a new response is added.

It’s plenty of tools out there on the internet but most of them are not free. <a href=”www.nirsoft.net/utils/pst_password.html”>check this tool</a>

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I would tread lightly in this scenario. Yes it is “company” email however this user is going to feel unjustly violated if his password is removed without his knowledge or permission. To be fair to the user, notify them first of the problem. Seek permission to remove the password or seek to do this at a time when they can be present to input their password. Is this inconvenient to you? Yes, however keeping good relations with the people we work with is important. I would say respect the password first until all other options are exhausted. It will save a LOT of headaches, trust me!

Discuss This Question: 6 Replies

Kevin Beaver Apr 15, 2009 2:10 AM GMT

For anyone looking for an excellent tool for cracking Outlook PST passwords (and practically anything else) check out Elcomsoft.

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DiegoDH Apr 17, 2009 5:53 AM GMT

Also important: 1- what does your company says about "cracking" any kind of password? 2- which is the business rationale for doing that? who will approve/authorise your actions? 3- has a service request been raised for this? (eg: email, ticket in a Help Desk app, written note, anything valid ass evidence) Or is it part of a project? Remember to be TRANSPARENT in this kind of situations. Good luck! Diego.

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Technochic Apr 17, 2009 1:48 PM GMT

Excellent points, Diego. :-)

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MacLeod Apr 20, 2009 4:46 PM GMT

I recently participated in a project involving migrating all PST files back into the mailboxes. Some of the files were fairly old, so after informing the user (who couldn't remember the password), we used PST19UPG for stripping the password. PST19UPG was originally designed for upgrading the PST file format to version 19, but one of the side effects is that it can strip out PST passwords. Always make a backup of the PST before using, there have been instances (although we didn't encounter them) where the utitlity has caused damage to a PST. Kind regards, Duncan

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Hubcap Apr 27, 2009 1:53 PM GMT

Do note that at least on government networks, despite all of the warnings, notices, EULAs, etc., it is STILL legally an unlawful invasion of privacy to open a user's personal folder or personal mail box, crack their password, etc., without their explicit consent at the time of access OR without a warrant. In other words there can be huge legal considerations no matter how many rights they've signed away. If you really need to get into anything that belongs to a user which they could have any sort of vague claim to an expectation of any kind of privacy, and can't get in touch with the user, get with your legal team first.

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DiegoDH Aug 8, 2009 7:45 AM GMT

Good point, Hubcap. Zhetmasta, how did this issue ended? Maybe another solution would have been to add the protected PST later, by the user him/herself?

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