Outlook 2010 – Import from .pst file

Steps to Import (merge items) from a .pst:

    1. With Outlook open, select File – Open – Import in upper left corner.
    2. From the Import and Export Wizard window select Import from another program or file, then Next.

Import a file window

  1. In the next window select Outlook Data File (.pst), then Next. You may need to use the scroll bar on the right to find this option.

    Import a PST File

  2. In the Import Personal Folders window, select Browse and locate your desired .pst file, then select the Next button. If a password was set on the .pst file when it was first exported, you will be prompted to type in that password.
    NOTE: The three Options in this window allow you to change what will happen with any duplicate items (email messages, calendar appointments, tasks, etc.) that may exist if you are importing into an existing list of folders. If you are not sure about duplicates, select the second option, Allow duplicates to be created, to be safe.

    Select pst file to import

  3. At the next window, make sure that the topmost heading of the Outlook Data File is selected, and that the Include Sub folders box is checked to include all items from the .pst file during the import.

    Select Folders to Import

  4. Leave the default Import location selected, Import items into the same folder in: <User Name>, to merge email messages, tasks, etc. into the same folders of your current Outlook profile. Select Finish.

Select Folders to Import

  1. Outlook imports the email, appointments, tasks, etc. into your current profile.
  2. Leave the default Import location selected, Import items into the same folder in: <User Name>, to merge email messages, tasks, etc. into the same folders of your current Outlook profile. Select Finish.
  3. Outlook imports the email, appointments, tasks, etc. into your current profile.

Outlook 2010 Export Email Data

Exporting Mailbox content to a .pst file

    1. With Outlook open, select the File tab in the upper left, then the Options link.
      If you are using Outlook 2007, select File – Import and Export, and skip to step 3 below.

Outlook 2010 Options link

    1. In the Outlook Options window that appears, select the Advanced link on the left then theExport button to the lower right.

Outlook 2010 Export button

    1. In the Import and Export Wizard dialog box, select Export to a file, then select Next.

Export file window

    1. In the Export to a File dialog box, select Outlook Data File (.pst), then Next.

Export to PST file

    1. In the Export Outlook Data File dialog box, select the desired heading (usually your full name)then select Include sub folders to include all folders for the account. Select the Next button.
      NOTE: you may have to use a scroll bar on the right to find your main Mailbox.

Select Export Items window

  1. At the top of the Export Outlook Data File window, in the Save exported file as field, Outlook names the file “backup.pst” by default and displays the path for saving the file in your computer’s Documents folder in a sub folder called Outlook Files. Select Finish to accept these default settings.
    Note: Select Browse and to save to a different location on your computer if you prefer, or to rename your .pst file.

    Data File Export preferences

  2. Create Outlook Data File window will appear.

    Create Outlook Data File window

    In both fields type in a password that will be required when the Personal Folders File is opened. IMPORTANT: If you forget the password there is no way to retrieve it or otherwise open the .pst you are creating; be sure to keep track of any password used here. Select OK to continue.

  3. Your computer will pause as the .pst file is created; if you have a lot of items to back up you may see a window that shows the status of each item as it is backed up. No notice will appear to indicate that the back up is done, simply verify that the “backup.pst” file appears in your Documents\Outlook Files folder when Outlook has finished (if you have changed the location and/or name in step 6 above, look for the appropriate file name/location).