Tip 481: Outlook 2007 Passwords Won't Save

If you installed Outlook 2007 on Vista and are having problems with the password not getting saved, type (or paste)

shell:dpapiKeys

in either Start Menu, Run command or in the Start Search field of the Start menu. Rename the key (it begins with S-1-5-21) and restart Outlook. You’ll lose any passwords that might be there. (Passwords are stored in hidden system files in this folder, so while the folder looks empty, its not.)

Other shell shortcuts are listed at Easy Access to System Folders in Windows 7 and Vista. One of my favorites is shell:Local AppData

This opens the hidden C:\Users\username\AppData\Local folder; *.pst are stored in Microsoft\Outlook under this path. It also shows the hidden C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming folder in the folder tree. Other Outlook support files are under the Microsoft\Outlook folder in this path.  (shell:AppData goes directly to the Roaming folder.)

If you’re using Windows XP and passwords won’t save, see Save password setting not retained in Outlook or Outlook Express (MSKB).

Published March 1, 2008. Last updated on December 8, 2011.

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