This is a follow-up tutorial from my other one here where we looked at how to manually back up the .pst files from Outlook 2007. In this tutorial we will look at how to import those .pst files back into Outlook 2007 (the method is similar in Outlook 2002, 2003) via the Outlook interface.
Before importing the .pst file, make sure that you remove the read only attribute on the file. To do this, right-click on the .pst file that you have saved and choose Properties; then under the General tab un-check the Read Only box at the bottom.
First open up Outlook and start the import by going File>Import and Export as shown below:
This will then open the wizard that will ask you as to the type of file you wish to import and it’s location. Choose Import from another program or file and hit Next:
In the next window you will be asked what file type you wish to import. Scroll down and select Personal folder file and hit Next:
This will open the next window that will ask you for the location of the .pst file that you wish to import as well as three options, which are.
- Replace duplicates with items imported
- Allow duplicates to be created
- Do not import duplicates
For me personally, I had no emails at all (I fully deleted them for the tutorial) so I chose the third option. This will also be the option to choose should you accidentally wish to recover deleted emails from your backed up .pst file. After making you selection, click Next:
Navigate to the .pst file that you wish to import and click Open. This will then open the final window below:
Click Include sub folders so you include Contacts, Calendar, Drafts etc and then click Finish. Outlook will now start to imports all your data back. The amount of time this will take will vary on your computers specs and the size of the .pst file that you are importing.
I hope this has helped and if you have any questions or comments, please ask them below.