In this article, we discuss a common issue with Microsoft Outlook that “Can’t import PST file into Outlook”. Many users face this problem when they try to import their PST file into Outlook format. Whether they import emails, contacts, or calendars from a PST file into Outlook. The PST file stores your Outlook data but sometimes, importing it can be difficult and may lead to errors such as this Outlook issue: “Can’t import PST file into Outlook.”
Microsoft Outlook has a user-friendly interface and is a widely used email service by many users. But import data from a PST file into Outlook can occasionally cause errors. These errors can occur due to many reasons, like file corruption, PST data damage, incorrect file format, or Outlook settings. In this guide, we will discuss the reasons behind this error and the best way to fix this problem to Import PST file into Outlook. Keep reading this article for simple and effective solutions to resolve the “Can’t import PST file into Outlook” issue.
If you are unable to import a PST file into Outlook, it can be a frustrating experience, especially when it disrupts your workflow. That is why it is important to know the reasons behind this error. So that, you can fix it quickly. In the next section, we will discuss the most common reasons for this error “Can’t import PST file into Outlook”. You can better understand the issue and resolve the problem quickly.
Common Causes of the Error “Can’t Import PST File into Outlook” Issue
There are many reasons for the Outlook error. Sometimes Outlook shows an error while you are working with Outlook. When you try to import an PST file into Outlook, it shows the issue sometimes. So, let’s discuss the reasons behind this issue.
Corrupted PST file: When your PST file is corrupted or damaged, this is a common error that you can face. The file can be damaged due to an unexpected shutdown, power outage, or even some virus or malware on your computer.
Permission problems: Sometimes you might not have the right permissions to access the PST file. And when you try to import the PST file into Outlook, it shows some error like the “Can’t import PST file into Outlook” issue.
File size issue: If your PST file is over 2GB, then Outlook may struggle to import this file.
Outdated Outlook profile: If your Outlook profile is outdated or corrupt, then your Outlook profile can cause some issues. It also contains problems while importing.
Antivirus Software: Antivirus software can interfere while importing PST files into Outlook because this software is trying to protect you from potential threats.
So, there are several reasons why you may face trouble while importing the PST file into Outlook. Need to know the methods to resolve or fix this issue?
Solutions to Fix Can’t Import PST File into Outlook Issue
When you face the issue like Can’t import PST file into Outlook. You must take the following Prevention to fix this outlook issue. There are many solutions that we discussed below-
1. Add PST File in Outlook 2016
- Launch MS Outlook 2016 on your computer.
- Click on the File tab at the top left corner, then click on Info.
- Click on Account Settings, and under that, click on Account Settings again.
- Go to the Outlook Data Files tab and click on Add.
- Select the PST file you want to add and click OK.
- Close the Account Settings window.
Sometime the PST file is stored in a secured format, and it can be difficult to open a file from an older version in a newer version Outlook. So, we will try adding the file in Outlook 2016, which is the second latest version of the Microsoft Outlook.
2. Change Antivirus Settings
An antivirus software protects your computer from the viruses but sometimes it blocks the access of a certain application. This will cause the problem of importing PST files because it might prevent Outlook from importing PST files.
Temporarily disable your antivirus software while importing the PST file into Outlook.
When you import the PST file Into Outlook, re-enable the antivirus setting to ensure the system protection.
3. Never Create an Online Backup
Virus attacks often target the online data, so avoid backing up the PST file to an online platform.
Online backups increase the risk of file corruption, which is a common cause of Outlook PST import errors.
It is safe to store PST files locally to your computer. This will help to prevent file corruption and virus or malware attacks.
4. Enter Correct Account Details
Remembering multiple IDs and passwords can be difficult, but it’s important to:
Always enter the correct email ID and password when importing a PST file into Outlook.
Incorrect details will prevent the file from being imported into your Outlook mailbox.
5. Run Outlook in Safe Mode
To run Outlook in Safe Mode:
- Hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
- Start the Outlook application.
- A prompt will appear asking if you want to open Outlook in Safe Mode.
- Then click Yes.
Running Outlook in Safe Mode may resolve issues caused by add-ins or third-party extensions. This will help you to import the PST file successfully.
Try these above-mentioned solutions to fix the Outlook Error when that “Can’t import PST file into Outlook” With this solutions Outlook able to import PST files without any hassle.
Recommended Tool to Avoid Can’t Import PST File into Outlook Issue
If the manual solutions does not help in resolving the issue, you can try a professional tool like Yota PST Converter Tool. This software is designed to repair damaged or corrupted PST files and make them accessible in Outlook again. It allows you to export your PST data into Outlook-compatible format so that the import process runs smoothly without errors.
With this tool, you can:
- Repair and open corrupted or oversized PST files.
- Export PST files into Outlook-readable format (PST) for easy import.
- Preserve emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments without data loss.
- Avoid common errors caused by file corruption, size limits, or version conflicts.
Bottom Lines
Importing your emails from a PST file into Outlook can be frustrating, especially if you encounter issues like the “Can’t import PST file into Outlook” error. Several common problems, such as file size limitations, antivirus software interference, or restrictive security settings on your computer can cause this type of Outlook issue.
In the above section, we discussed the reasons why this problem occurs when importing PST files into Outlook. We also recommended a reliable PST Converter Tool that can help you avoid this issue altogether. You can try the demo version of the software to ensure a smooth and hassle-free migration process.