How to import .pst file data into Outlook

You can use the backup copy of your .pst file to restore your Outlook data if the original .pst file is damaged or lost. Everything that is saved in the .pst file is returned to Outlook.

In Outlook 2010:

Use the following steps to restore, or import, your data into Outlook:

• Select the File tab.
• In the Open category, select Import.
• In the Import and Export Wizard, select Import from another program or file, and then select Next.
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst), and then select Next.
• Type the path and the name of the .pst file that you want to import, or select Browse to select the file to import.

Note

Under Options, we recommended that you click Do not import duplicates, unless you want the imported information to replace or duplicate items that are already in Outlook.

• Select Next.
• Select the folder that you want to import. To import everything in the .pst file, select the top of the hierarchy.

Note

The top folder (usually Personal Folders, Outlook Data File, or your email address) is selected automatically. Include subfolders is selected by default. All folders under the folder selected will be imported.

• Select Finish.

In earlier versions of Outlook:

Follow these steps to restore, or import, your data into Outlook:

1. If the .pst file that you want to import is stored on a removable device, such as a floppy disk, a portable hard disk drive, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape cassette, or any other storage medium, insert or connect the storage device, and then copy the .pst file to the hard disk drive of the computer.
   
   When you copy the .pst file, make sure that the Read-Only attribute is not selected. If this attribute is selected, you might receive the following error message:

Error

The specified device, file, or path could not be accessed. It may have been deleted, it may be in use, you may be experiencing network problems, or you may not have sufficient permission to access it. Close any application that uses this file and try again.

• If you receive this error message, clear the Read-Only attribute, and then copy the file again.
• Open Outlook.
• On the File menu, select Import And Export. If the command is not available, move the pointer over the chevrons at the bottom of the menu, and then select Import and Export.
• Select Import from another program or file, and then select Next.
• Select Personal Folder File (.pst), and then select Next.
• Type the path and the name of the .pst file that you want to import, and then select Next.
• Select the folder that you want to import. To import everything in the .pst file, select the top of the hierarchy.
• Select Finish.