Outlook Data File
Generic / Ambiguous DataPST stores Outlook mail, calendars and other data. Opening a file for reference differs from importing it into a mailbox. New and classic Outlook have different capabilities and requirements; identify your version.
- What it is used for
- Mail, calendar and other Outlook data storage
- What the file contains
- Binary data
All sections, questions and sources
Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai
Opening steps
Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.
Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.
Troubleshooting by symptom
- Opening command unavailable: identify the Outlook variant and feature requirements.
- Duplicate messages: distinguish opening from importing and review target/duplicate options.
- Missing items: compare exported folders, date ranges and subfolder scope with the source.
- Added PST absent from search: inspect mailbox/search scope.
- New Outlook menu differs: check rollout/requirements rather than applying classic menus.
- Destination lacks space: inspect migration scope and mailbox capacity.
PST → Outlook access / migration
- Open for inspection first; use official import procedures only if migration is needed.
- Verify destination, calendar/contact support and duplicate handling; retain the source file.
- Verify dates, folders, counts, attachments and supported calendar/contacts and retain duplicate-handling records and source PST.
Other mail applications may not retain non-mail items or folder structure equivalently.
Open/add versus import
Adding connects local data for access; importing copies selected items into a mailbox. Choose according to purpose.
New Outlook PST functionality evolves; current documentation includes Import, but verify prerequisites and the available interface.
Source for these steps：Microsoft · Open and find items in an Outlook Data File (.pst) / Microsoft · Import email, contacts, and calendar from an Outlook .pst file / Microsoft · Create an Outlook Data File (.pst) to save your information
Inspect non-mail items and search
Mail, contacts, calendar and attachments need distinct checks; compare folder scope, dates and counts before/after migration.
Inspect folders directly rather than treating empty search as missing data; retain source backup after verifying migration.
Source for these steps：Microsoft · Open and find items in an Outlook Data File (.pst) / Microsoft · Import email, contacts, and calendar from an Outlook .pst file / Microsoft · Create an Outlook Data File (.pst) to save your information
Related-format differences
| Format | Main role | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PST | Outlook storage/migration | Distinguish access from import |
| OST | Offline synchronization data | Original-account relationship |
| EML / MSG | Individual message artifacts | Distinct from full mailbox structure |
Handling and security
PST may contain private mail, attachments and contacts. Avoid public converters and do not automatically run attachments or follow external links.
Questions and answers
Does opening import everything?
Opening and importing are separate operations.
Does new Outlook support it?
Check current supported features and prerequisites.
Can I substitute an OST?
Their roles/account relationships differ; renaming does not convert them.
Should I copy PST even for inspection?
Keep an original backup and inspect a copy because application operations can affect the file.
What if new Outlook has no Import command?
Check version, feature availability and prerequisites and follow instructions matching your interface.
Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
- Formal name
- Outlook Personal Storage Table
- Steward / specification
- Microsoft
- MIME type
- Depends on the producer or server; an extension alone does not establish a MIME type.
Primary and official sources
- Software documentationOpen and find items in an Outlook Data File (.pst)
Version-specific instructions for opening PST files.
Microsoft · Link checked： - Software documentationImport email, contacts, and calendar from an Outlook .pst file
Documents import, duplicates and application requirements.
Microsoft · Link checked： - Software documentationCreate an Outlook Data File (.pst) to save your information
Distinguishes PST storage and OST offline data.
Microsoft · Link checked：