Cannot import .pst files into outlook in windows 7

swtools · 07 Jun 2010

I have outlook installed in windows 7 and I am trying to import my .pst files from outlook running in windows 2k. I have installed the latest windows 7 updates including the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 (SP2). When I try and import the .pst file, I always get the error: "The messaging interface has returned an unknown error. If the problem persists, restart Outlook".

I have tried many things, including reboots, microsoft update, selecting "Allow upgrade to large tables", running outlook as administrator (or not). I ran the inbox repair tool, which said there are no problems with the .pst file. I tried to open both the archive.pst and the outlook.pst file, same problem with both. The files are on usb flash drive, but I tried copying them to local hard drive and opening them there, no change.

The .pst files are readable in Outlook in win2k, from the same flash drive.

The .pst file is 1.6GB. I saw a reference to the pfbackup tool, which can be used to break the .pst file into folders, but the note only applied to later versions of outlook.

I can successfully send and receive mail in outlook under windows 7, I just cannot import the .pst file from win2k.

I also tried copying the current outlook.pst file that outlook is using in windows 7 to flash drive, and opening it there. That also fails, same error.

mlevy · 09 Jun 2010

How about copying it off the flash drive to the Win 7 machine? Outlook may balk at opening a pst file from removable media. FYI, there's no need to "import" it, from the File menu in Outlook select Data File Management, click Add and browse to where you copied the file. If you get prompted for the pst format before browsing for it, just keep the default, Outlook will make the adjustment when you select the file to open. The file will then show up on the pane to the left and all the data in it will be available.

swtools · 10 Jun 2010

mlevy, thanks for the suggestions. I already tried copying it into the same directory as the existing outlook.pst, and renaming to <username>.pst. Same result. By import, I mean right clicking on the "Outlook Today" bar in the Folder List, and selecting open personal folders file (.pst). I also tried file

pen and file:import, all with the same result.

However, I am about ready to give up on it, I just found out my employer has an employee purchase program and I can get Office Office Professional Plus 2010 for a ridiculously low price, so I will only be posting again if I run into trouble importing the .pst into Outlook 2010.

ccatlett1984 · 10 Jun 2010

What version of office are you currently running, you never mentioned that in your above post?