How to Open Outlook Backup Files in PST Format

Larissa updated on Aug 14, 2024 to Backup and Recovery | How-to Articles

Outlook backup files are usually saved in PST format, but Outlook doesn't have a built-in PST viewer. Do you know how to open backup files? This article will show you the step-by-step guide to open Outlook backup files in PST format. Plus, we'll give you a tool to back up and restore your Outlook faster and easier.

Outlook has become our daily routine to check our messages, calendars, contacts, tasks, etc. Outlook has an Import/Export Wizard to help backup Outlook emails as PST file into your computer. If you have set AutoArchive settings, the data in Outlook are saved in PST format within Outlook. We may want to open Outlook backup PST files because they may contain important information that was not saved in the user's primary Outlook file. Or sometimes, we need to access this information for work or personal reasons, and the backup PST file can be helpful in these situations.

Do you know how to open Outlook backup files? Don't worry; this post will show you a step-by-step guide to opening Outlook backup PST files. Besides, we'll give you a tool to back up and restore your Outlook faster and easier. Here we go.

How to Open Outlook Backup File in PST Format

If you want to open the Outlook backup file within Outlook in PST, you must first identify your Microsoft Outlook version because the steps are different.

For New Versions, including Outlook 2013, 2016, and 2019:

Step 1. Open desktop Outlook and click the File option on the top-left corner. 

Step 2. Tap Open & Export and choose Open Outlook Data File. 

Step 3. Find the (.pst) file you want to open and select it, then tap the Open button on the bottom-right corner.  

Now, you can see your Outlook backup PST files.

For Outlook 2010 Version:

Step 1. Launch Outlook and click File, then select Account Settings.

Step 2. Click Add option on the Data Files.

Step 3. Find and select the PST file you want to view, then click OK to open it.

For Outlook 2007 and Older Version:

If you use the previous versions, like 2007, you need to import PST files to Outlook and open them. 

Step 1. Open Outlook and follow the path: File > Open > Import.

Step 2. In the Import/Export Assistant window, select Import from other programs or files, and click Next.

Step 3. Choose the Personal folder file(.pst) and click Next.

Step 4. Then, browser a place where you want to save the file and tap OK. After that, you can open the backup file within Outlook.

You may also be interested: How to Backup Outlook Emails from Browser(OWA)

Bonus: Backup and Restore Outlook Quickly with EaseUS Todo Backup

Outlook plays an essential role in our daily and office communication. The longer it is used, the more important information the mailbox contains. You need a professional mailbox backup tool if you don't want to waste your precious time manually backing up your mailbox. EaseUS Todo Backup is one of the best backup software.

EaseUS Todo Backup provides automatic backup, scheduling, incremental, and differential backup to backup Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 emails. It helps you save Outlook emails to the local folders and hard drive and back up personal data in Outlook that contains emails, contacts, calendars, and other significant files if needed. 

Besides, it offers 250 GB of free Cloud storage, which allows you to back up your Outlook to the Cloud. It only needs several simple clicks if you need to restore and use backup.

Here are some features of EaseUS Todo Backup to backup Outlook:

  • Backup Outlook emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, signatures, etc.
  • Allow scheduling backup Outlook information like daily, weekly, and monthly
  • You can backup Outlook information to a local folder, external hard drive, NAS, or Cloud
  • Encrypted backup to ensure the safety of your personal privacy
  • Support full backup, incremental backup and differential backup

Conclusion

We hope this post has helped you learn how to open Outlook backup files in PST format. If you want to back up and restore your Outlook quickly and easily, we recommend using EaseUS Todo Backup. It's a professional backup software that can help you save time and protect important information.

FAQ about How to Open Outlook Backup File

1. How can I open a PST file without Outlook?

If you want to open a PST file without Outlook, you can convert it into TXT format, which is readable on Notebook. Another available method is using a third-party PST viewer, and it can help you access PST files with ease.

2. How do I open a backup file in Outlook 2010?

To open a backup file in Outlook 2010, follow the path: Open desktop Outlook > click File on the top-left corner > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File > Select Outlook data file(. pst) > Click Open.

3. How do I open old PST files in Outlook 365?

The way to open old PST files in Outlook 365 is the same as in Outlook 2010. Follow the steps: Open Microsoft Office > File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File > Select Outlook data file(. pst) > Click OK.

4. Can I open PST files in Gmail?

You need to import PST file to Gmail first if you want to open PST files in Gmail. After that, add PST archive files to Gmail.