XCLN: Cannot Recover Password of PST nor Contents of OST

• Microsoft Exchange Server, versions 4.0, 5.0, and 5.5

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Exchange, a password-protected PST cannot be recovered if the password for that PST is lost or forgotten. Nor does Microsoft offer any information regarding services or processes that provide breaking or bypassing password protected PST's.

Additionally, Microsoft cannot recover the contents of an OST.

MORE INFORMATION

Support for security and password protection is limited to answering user questions about security features. Microsoft's support service operations cannot assist users in opening password-protected files. There are inherent legal risks associated with doing this, and we do not have the resources available to thoroughly investigate such requests to ensure that there are no misrepresentations or disputes concerning the ownership of files and authorization to break into them. Microsoft will, however, cooperate with law enforcement representatives as required by law, meaning pursuant to a court order, subpoena, search warrant or other form of legal compulsion, to the extent we are able to do so. We will also not provide users with information about third-party companies that may provide password-breaking services, nor refer them to any such company.