How to Import a PST Archive From Microsoft Outlook Express

PST archive files are used to compress and store old emails, tasks and notes from Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express. You can store a PST file on a disk or flash drive for a secure backup. You can also transfer PST files between any computers with Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express. PST files can be password protected. By importing a PST archive file from Microsoft Outlook Express, you can view any Outlook emails without connecting to an external mail server or the Internet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express

1. Open Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express. Open the program by double-clicking the Outlook icon on your desktop or by going to "Start," "All Programs," "Microsoft Office" and "Microsoft Outlook."

2. Go to "File" at the top left corner of the screen and choose "Import and Export." This will open the Import Export wizard.

3. Choose "Import from another program or file" and click "Next."

4. Select "Personal folder file (.pst)" from the list and click "Next." Click "Browse" to locate your PST file. Choose whether to allow duplicates or not. Click "Next."

5. Decide which folder from your PST file you want to import from. If you want everything in your file to import, leave all the defaults in place. To change the folder, choose a folder from the list under "Archive Folders" and choose whether to include subfolders or not. Click "Finish" to import the chosen PST file or portion of the PST file.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the settings you chose, your PST archive file may be displayed as a second set of folders below your main folder list. It will be called "Archive Folders."
• To use or change your PST file, Outlook must have access to it. Importing it does not make the PST archive part of Outlook. The PST file will still be located in its original location. For permanent access, the PST file must on a media that is always connected to your computer, such as an internal hard drive or a permanently connected external hard drive.

Resources

• Description of PST Archives