How to import a PST file into Outlook

Have you formatted your PC and after exporting Outlook PST file now you are having difficulty importing it back into Outlook? The procedure for importing a PST file is not complex but if, after clicking on it, the error you receive is "Insufficient permissions to access the file“, Then you absolutely must continue reading this guide, because I will explain to you how to import a PST file into Outlook in a few simple steps.

The PST file is a personal folder file that contains data regarding messages, notes, contacts and appointments. It is used for POP3 email accounts and for creating archives or backup files of any account in Outlook. This type of files are saved in the folder Documents> Outlook Files of the PC.

Besides PST files there are OST files, they are offline Outlook data files. They are a synchronized copy of messages saved on a server that can be accessed through applications such as Outlook. Accounts that use this type of file are IMAP, Outlook.com, and Microsoft Exchange. These files are saved in the C: UsersUserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook folder.

The first thing to do for import a PST file into Outlook is to fix the above error and have a look if the PST file has read / write permissions. Then right-click on the file, then Properties> Attributes or Properties> General and remove the check mark on the wording Read only.

If after this all fails, then you need to attach the PST file to your Outlook profile.

Then go on File / Open / File of personal folders: in some versions you will find File / Data File Management / Add. You will be able to see the contents of the archive and with a simple copy and paste, or by dragging them, you will save the emails to keep.

Make sure with which version you created the PST file because in some cases the product archive may be incompatible with previous versions of the application.

Also make sure that the PST file is not damaged, in this regard I recommend that you take a look at: How to recover a damaged PST file.

If you have Office 2013 instead, you have to do File> Open and Export> Import / Export and in the window of Import / Export Wizard, choose the item Import data from other programs or files.

Push the button NEXT and select the item Outlook Data File (PST) and do it again NEXT.

In the next window Shop by Department to locate the PST file and check one of the following items as needed and then do again NEXT.

1. Replace duplicates with imported items.
   
2. Allow creation of duplicates.
   
3. Don't import duplicates.