How to Restore Outlook PST Data File in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 or 2003
If you have previously backed up your Outlook Data and now you want to restore your Outlook backup archive (.pst file) to another computer, then read this article to find out how to do this.
First of all, we remind you, that the best and most reliable way to perform a backup or restore of your Outlook data is to do that manually, and not by using the “Import / Export” capability given by Microsoft Outlook. The reason for doing this manually and the suggested procedure to take a backup of your Outlook data are described in this article: How to Backup Outlook data.
In this tutorial you 'll find detailed instructions on how you can restore Outlook PST data file in in a new Windows installation or another computer. (Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003).
- Related Article: How to Open Outlook Data file (.PST)
How to Restore Outlook Data (.PST)
Step 1: Open Outlook without creating a new account.
1. Open Outlook application and as Outlook is running for the first time, it asks you to create an account. Bypass this step by choosing No and then Finish.
Step 2: Locate Outlook Personal folders data file (.pst).
When Outlook runs for first time, creates a new Outlook PST file (e.g. Outlook.pst) to store it's data. Proceed and locate where the PST file is stored on your disk, by following the instructions below: *
* Note 1: By default, Outlook PST file is stored the following location on your computer: **
- Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
- Windows Vista or 7:
C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- Office 2016, 2013 or 2010: If you 're using Outlook 2013 (Office 2013) the Outlook data files are stored, by default, at this location:
C:\Users\<your username>\Documents\Outlook Files\<YourEmailAddress>.pst
** Note 2: To be able to view Outlook PST files, enable the Hidden Files View (From Control Panel > open Folder Options and at the View tab, check the “Show Hidden files, folders and drives” option.)
Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 & 2019: (For Outlook 2003 click here)
– To locate where Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 & 2007 stores, your Outlook Data file (.pst):
1. Navigate to Control panel, set View by to Small icons, then open Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
2. At Mail Setup window click Data Files…
3. At Data files tab, choose the Outlook data file (PST or OST) and click Open File Location to find its storage location on the disk.
3. Continue to Step 3.
Outlook 2003
– To locate where Outlook 2003 stores, your Outlook Data file (.pst):
1. From Outlook's main menu, choose Tools > Options
2. In Options window choose Mail Setup tab.
3. In Mail Setup tab, choose Data files
4. In Data Files window, choose Open Folder.
5. Continue to Step 3.
Step 3: Restore your Outlook Data files (.PST)
1. Close all open Outlook windows.
2. Then write down the name of the current Outlook PST file. (The default name is: “Outlook.pst”)
3. Rename the Outlook PST file to any name you want (e.g. to “OutlookEmpty.pst”).
4. Without closing this window, open a new Windows Explorer and find and copy (here) the Outlook PST file from your backup location.
5. Now in Outlook's data store folder, you should have two Outlook PST files named:
- Outlook.pst (this is your Outlook PST Data file, from the backup)
- OutlookEmpty.pst (this is the empty Outlook PST data file, which is created at Outlook's first time launch)
– Rename (if needed) the Outlook PST backup file to the name you wrote down previously.
7. Now open your Outlook application and you should have successfully restored your Outlook data.
8. The final step, to start working with Outlook, is to set up your e-mail account * and you 're done!
* Note: To setup your email account go to: File > Accounts Settings > New or Tools > Account Settings > New if you 're working with Outlook 2007 or 2003.
That it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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george
January 12, 2020 @ 3:15 pm
saved my life after accidentally deleting all my inbox setting up a POP3 instead of IMAP. Thanks!!!
Shoe
August 28, 2019 @ 5:00 pm
I'm not so great at this sort of thing, and it was just a bit tricky, but it got my files into my new computer. Thank you! Everywhere else I looked, folks were trying to sell me a program to do this work.
One thing is I don't seem to have transferred my rules. That was a bummer. But getting my file structure and all the old emails into it, was a huge deal.
I'm surprised you don't have more comments, given how hard it was for me to find such instructions anywhere else! This post, along with the post about how to find and back up the file without using the import/export function, were super useful, and information I did not find anywhere else on the internet!
Mary
June 1, 2017 @ 3:54 pm
Thank you for all your wonderful help!! I am getting ready to start on a new computer and did not know how to save all my Microsoft Outlook data. Your instructions were easy to understand and to follow.
jmathew
August 6, 2013 @ 12:49 pm
Thanks written article about Restore or Open Outlook data. I found third party application "Kernel for PST recovery". Software Powerful & Reliable Application that can be repair deleted emails, contacts, calendar items, notes etc. in outlook