Unable to Import Outlook 2007 (Unicode) PST

Microsoft Outlook 2003 and 2007 use a different file format and impose a much larger file size limit for PST than what is being used in its earlier versions. By default, the latest two versions use Unicode formatted PST and accept 20 GB file size limitation. If you need to use an Outlook 2003 or 2007 file from a different computer using an earlier version of Outlook, you must change the Unicode PST to ANSI (file format used by earlier Outlook versions) PST. But if the PST is still not accessible, it might be corrupted. To restore the lost data, you either need to use your latest backup or apply Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) to repair it. In case these measures fail, the ultimate solution is to use an Outlook PST Repair utility.

To exemplify such problems, suppose you use Outlook 2007. You locate the PST and move it on a removable storage media, such as a CD or DVD. When you try to import this file in MS Outlook by using Import and Export Wizard, the operation fails with an error as below:

“Microsoft Outlook:
File access is denied. You do not have permission required to access the file file_path\ file_name.pst”

Or

“ is not a personal folders file”

Cause

The above error can occur due to following possible reasons:

1-You are using Outlook 2002 or an earlier version to import the Unicode formatted PST
2-When you move the file to CD or DVD, the file is read-only
3-The PST is corrupt. This can occur due to interrupted move operation.

Solution

You can solve the discussed file import issues by following these tips:

1-Try to import PST in Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007
2-Save the file on hard disk and remove its read-only attribute
3-Repair the corrupted PST using Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe). If this doesn't help, restore from backup or use a PST Repair software

An Outlook PST Repair can repair a corrupted PST and restore it at a safe location. These software are available for both Unicode and ANSI formatted PST.

Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair is an advanced and quick repair solution for damaged or broken Outlook PST created with MS Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000. The comprehensive PST Repair utility restores all emails, notes, contacts, journal, calendar, and tasks. The software has an Outlook-resembling interface and previews messages in three-panes.