Note: In Outlook 2013 and previous versions, PST file is alsoused to store emails and other information for IMAP accounts. Show
Also referred to as Outlook Personal Folder (.pst) file, it can be used to archive older messages and mailbox items – not just by POP3 accounts – but also IMAP and Exchange accounts. More importantly, a PST file can be moved from one machine to another, allowing users to transfer Outlook data to another system. However, users often report about receiving 'PST file is not an Outlook data file' error message when opening or importing a PST file into anOutlook application installed on another machine. The exact error message looks similar to: Why the 'PST File is not an Outlook Data File' Error Occurs?If you get 'the 'file is not an Outlook data file (.pst)" error when trying to import or open a PST file on another computer, it indicates a problem with the Import/Export process or the file. Following are some reasons that may result in the error: Reason 1 – Corrupt PST FileIt usually occurs when the data file you are trying to transfer (or import) is corrupt. The PST file may get corrupt due to any of these reasons:
Note: The size limit of .pst file in Outlook 2007 is 20 GB. Reason 2 – Exporting Outlook Data to a New PST from an Existing PST FileIf your Outlook client is not connected to an Exchange mailbox, then all the mailbox data will be stored in a.pst file. So, you don't need to export data to Outlook Personal Folder File. That's because exporting data to a PST file from an already existing (opened)PST file will result in data loss and the error in question. Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the 'PST File is not an Outlook Data File' ErrorBefore moving on to solutions, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue: Step 1 – Uncheck the File 'Read-Only' AttributeIf you are trying to access a PST file saved on a removable media, portable drive, or any other storage media, verify if the PST file status is set to read-only. To do so, right-click on the PST file, and then select Properties. From the Properties window, in the General tab, make sure that the 'Read-only' attribute is unchecked. If not, uncheck it and see if you can open the PST file. Step 2 - Copy the PST File to Another LocationTry copying the PST file to another location. For instance, copy the file from the default location and paste it into the Documents folder on your PC, and then go to File > Open for opening the Outlook Data File within Outlook. Step 3 - Check PST File SizeIf you get the error message "The file is not an Outlook Data File (.pst)" when trying to restore a backup of an original PST file, check if your PST file is oversized. Simply put, make sure that the file you are trying to access hasn't exceeded its permissible size limit. If it has, the PST file may become unstable (or corrupt). You will need to repair a corrupt PST file to access the file contents Read this: How to Deal With Too Large PST File > 50GB? Solutions to Fix 'PST File is not an Outlook Data File' ErrorFollowing are some solutions that can help resolve the issue: Solution 1 – Try Repairing the File Using the Inbox Repair UtilityAs discussed above, corruption in a PST file could be the major reason behind 'PST not an Outlook data file' error. You can try repairing the PST file to access its data. Use the Microsoft built-in repair utility, called the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe)to diagnose and repair Outlook Data File errors. To use Scanpst.exe, follow these steps:
SCANPST.exe comes along with Microsoft Outlook installation. It is located in the Outlook installation directory. But, the location of SCANPST.exe will vary depending on the Outlook version installed on your PC and the Outlook edition (64-bit or 32-bit) you are using. Browse it in the following locations: In Outlook 2019 (Office 365)
In Outlook 2016:
In Outlook 2013:
In Outlook 2010:
In Outlook 2007:
Note: If you still cannot locate Scanpst.exe, try repairing the Office installation
Once you have located the Scanpst.exe tool, follow these steps to repair a corrupt PST file: Note: Before running the tool, make sure to close the Outlook application. Also, since Scanpst.exe is a hidden file, you will need the'Show hidden files and folders' option to be enabled in your Folder options.
Note: If you receive an error message 'PST file is in use', close your Outlook application, and try accessing the file again. Some Shortcomings of Scanpst.exeScanpst.exe is free to use repair utility, but it has certain downsides:
To overcome such limitations, you need a more reliable PST file repair tool to deal with corruption and other Outlook data file errors. Solution 2 – Use Stellar Repair for Outlook SoftwareIf none of the troubleshooting steps or solutions helps resolve the 'PST file is not an Outlook Data File' issue, use Stellar Repair for Outlook software to quickly restore the file to its original format. The software is the best alternative to Scanpst.exe tool. It can parse through severely damaged or corrupt PST files and repair them in just a few clicks. Also, it recovers all mailbox items including emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, etc. into a new usable PST. The software has an easy-to-use GUI, repairs encrypted PSTfile, previews recoverable mail items before saving, and has the option to 'Find'PST file. These are some of the features that make Stellar Repair for Outlook the best alternative to Scanpst.exe. Steps to Repair Corrupt PST by UsingStellar Repair for Outlook Software To scan and repair the PST file, download and install StellarRepair for Outlook software. Once it is installed, run the software and then follow these steps:
Note: The scanning process may take time based on the severity of .pst file corruption.
Note: You can save the scanned Outlook data file information by clicking 'Save Scan'. You can use the saved scan results to perform PST repair or recovery at a later stage.
Now you can find your repaired PST file at the selected location. Technical Requirements to Install the Software Supported Operating System: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP RAM Required: 2GB Minimum (4 GB recommended) Hard Disk: 250 MB of free space Supported Outlook Version: MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, and earlier versions ConclusionYou may encounter 'PST is not an Outlook Data File' error when trying to open or import a PST file into another machine. It may occur due to reasons such as corruption in PST file, exporting Outlook data to a PST file from an already opened (or existing) .pst file, etc. You can troubleshoot the error by ensuring that the file status is not set to 'Read-only' or check if the Outlook data file size does not exceed its recommended limit. If the error persists, repair the PST file by using the Scanpst.exe tool. If the tool fails to fix corruption in the Outlook data file, you can take the help of a professional PST repair tool such as Stellar Repair for Outlook to repair and recover mailbox data. Once you have restored your Outlook Personal Folder (.pst) file, note these important points to prevent the error from occurring again: |