Office Outlook 2010 Import And Export

Recently I have been playing around Microsoft Outlook 2010 for quite some time, a few days back I wrote a way to make a backup of Outlook 2010. This post will focus on two parts:

1. Importing Outlook Data File(.PST) from Outlook 2003/2007 and Outlook 2010 itself
2. Exporting Complete Outlook 2010 Items

The first part will come handy for users who want to migrate all their data(emails, contacts, calendars, etc) from Outlook 2007 to Outlook 2010. While the second part will come handy if you want to make a complete backup of Outlook 2010 without using any 3rd party tool. The procedure for both importing and exporting are similar to Outlook 2007, instead there is now a new Office button in Outlook 2010.

Note: I would also recommend that you install the Outlook Data Export Add-in for Outlook 2010, it can make exporting both quick and easy.

To launch the Export/Import wizard, first hit the Office button go to File menu, navigate to Open, and click Import(as shown in the screenshot below). Before the beta version, there was Saving option but it has been removed.

Note: Before you can import the complete Outlook 2007 items, make sure you have exported it in Outlook Data File(.PST). It is recommended file type for exporting data, this is because it allows users to make complete backup.

Importing

In the Import And Export wizard, select Import from another program or file option and hit Next.

Under File Type, select Outlook Data File(.pst) and hit Next.

Now choose the file to import, select the options, and hit Next.

It will then ask you to enter the password for backup file twice.

Once done, finally select the folder to import from(if you want to import complete data don’t change any settings) and make sure Include subfolders is checked. You can either import the file to the current folder or choose the folder.

Exporting

In the Import And Export Wizard, select Export to a file option and hit Next.

Under File Type, select Outlook Data File(.pst) and hit Next.

Now make sure Include subfolder is checked, this makes sure that all data including, Emails, Calendar, Contacts, Drafts, etc are exported. To export only a single folder, choose that folder and hit Next.

Now give the backup file a name and choose the destination where you want it to be saved and hit Finish.

Lastly, enter the Password to secure the backup file.

Once done, it will again ask you to enter the password. Enter the same password again and it will begin exporting your data.

During this process your Outlook might become unresponsive for a few seconds. When it becomes responsive again it means that the export is complete. You can then verify the export file by visiting the destination where you saved it.