Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients. Most people have used Outlook at some point in their lives.. Considering the millions of users, it’s normal for users to forget their Outlook passwords at some point.
There are tools to help with Outlook password recovery. But first, we need to understand the difference between PST and OST files and how to store and protect your mail in Outlook.
The Difference Between Outlook PST and OST Files
Outlook stores, manages and secures your data. The method of rendering depends on the type of account you are using.. There are two main types of Outlook data files:
PST (Personal Storage Table): The Personal Storage Table is the storage system Outlook uses for POP and IMAP accounts. Your email is delivered and stored on the mail server and can only be accessed while online. It can take backups of your email to work, but this also creates a new PST file. PST files are easily transferred between systems when you switch to a new computer.
OST (Offline Storage Table): You can use the Offline Storage Table file when you want to keep an entire local backup of an email account.. All data is stored on your computer and mail server. This means all user account email database is accessible regardless of network connection. Changes are synchronized when the user connects to the mail server.
There is a significant difference between the two file types.
First difference; To a large extent, PST data files store important information such as passwords on the local machine. This password locks unauthorized users from the Outlook account, protecting emails and user data during this process. OST data file also uses local storage but does not contain passwords. This way, the PST file is open for password retrieval.
Microsoft Outlook PST Password Protection Error
When you enter a password on a website, we hope the site doesn’t store the password in plain text. Plain text is what you’re reading now. The website takes your password and creates a hash that records it in the database.
A hash is a long string of alphanumeric characters that represents your password and is linked to your username.. When you type your username and password combination, the database responds positively and you enter your account. However, if an attacker breaks into the database, what they see is a long list of confusing hashes.
The problem with Outlook is this: Instead of using a complex hash algorithm, Microsoft has provided some security using the basic CRC32 algorithm.
The bad news is that each CRC32 hash has many match values, meaning there’s a strong chance that a password recovery program will unlock your file.. This is great if you need your PST file unlocked, but it’s a security nightmare.
.Where is my PST file?
Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013 , In Outlook 2010, new Outlook data files are saved in the following locations by default:
- Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8 and 10 drive: C:UsersuserDocumentsOutlook Filesarchive.pst
- Windows XP>drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoft Outlookarchive.pst
In earlier versions of Outlook, the archive file is saved in the following locations:
- Windows 7, 8 , 10 and Windows Vista driver:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
- Windows XP driver: Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
Recover Outlook Password PST Tools to create
PstPassword
Nirsoft’s PstPassword is a great free utility that automatically retrieves PST passwords for local data files. PstPassword displays three potential passwords due to encryption error. If the first option fails, you have two more options. In fact, it generates a long list of CRC32 hashes that can unlock the PstPassword data file.. PstPassword also does not require installation. However, your system may detect it as a malicious file.
Kernel Outlook PST Password Recovery Tool
The Kernel Outlook PST Password Recovery Tool is a limited free utility. The main limitation is the size of the PST file the tool will unlock. Kernel’s tool will open PST files up to 500MB for free. However, if your data file exceeds the size, you will need to upgrade to the Master License for $39.
The tool quickly analyzes your PST files and provides a hash value for you to enter. Unlike PstPassword, Kernel only gives a single password hash to try. However, if that doesn’t work, the Kernel also has the option to remove password protection from the PST file and add a new one if you want.
Recovery Toolbox for Outlook Password
Our latest tool, Recovery for Outlook Password Toolbox. Recovery Toolbox costs $19, but there are things you can do with the free option.
- Recovers and shows passwords for PST data files
- Resets PST data file passwords
- Recover or remove some passwords for OST data files
The biggest difference is support for OST files. The paid version of Recovery Toolbox also shows and removes OST passwords, which is an added bonus. Other free online tools will also reveal even the most secure Outlook OST data file passwords.
Mail PassView
Another free password viewer and recovery tool from Nirsoft. Mail PassView opens OST data file passwords instead of PST data files. However, the tool cannot remove passwords or offer alternatives, as OST data file passwords are usually set via the mail server rather than Outlook itself. Still, Mail PassView is a useful free tool to recover your Outlook password.