.pst Files (Using them in Outlook)

How to Open a PST file in Outlook

Important Notes

  1. These .pst files are NOT a part of your active Outlook email database.  Therefore they do not count towards your email quota; nor can they be accessed from the Outlook Web App (OWA) or your smart phone.
  2. Security:  Each user is responsible for appropriately securing their converted email.
    1. These files do not require an ID and password to access.
    2. Store them on your personal network drive or an encrypted hard drive that is also in a physically secured location.
    3. If your store them on a shared network drive, be aware that anyone with access to that network drive can open, read and even respond to the message.
  3. Backup:  ITS does not backup your hard drive or an external drive.  If you inadvertently delete your .pst files; or they become corrupted, ITS will not be able to recover these documents.
  4. Large PST Files:  It can also take several minutes to 30+minutes to open a converted pst file.


Click on a link below for detailed instructions for the PC or Mac.

Written Instructions for PC using Outlook 2010

Written Instructions for Mac using Outlook 2011

FIRST:  Copy your .pst File to a secured location

  1. Click on this link  provided in your email notification
  2. This will take you to the secured network drive where your .pst files are stored – only you have access to these files
  3. Find the folder with your username (double click > you will see two .pst files.
  4. You will see two .pst files (the larger file contains your Lotus Notes email and calendar; the smaller your Lotus Notes Contacts) 
  5. You will see other folders and files, but will not be able to copy or open them.
  6. Copy both .pst files to a secured network drive or an encrypted hard drive.  This can be done by dragging and dropping it to your preferred secured location; or by right clicking on files and select copy and point to the other locations and right click and select paste.
  7. Remember where you have saved the files.

SECOND:  Open the .pst file from your Outlook PC Client or Mac Client

FOR PC (see "written instructions for Mac using Outlook 2011" for Mac instructions)

  1. Open your Outlook Client
  2. File > Open > Open Outlook Data File
  3. Find the file you saves and double click on it
  4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 to open the second file
  5. Note:  This could take several minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size of your .pst file
  6. The .pst files will appear as a:
    1. separate folder in your mail view; a
    2. separate calendar in your calendar view; and a
    3. separate contact folder in your Contact View