Importing Archived .pst files does not work

[JoJo]

Recently had to reformat my hard drive. Importing my .pst file from a backup does not bring back my archived emails. My original Outlook configuration had multiple sub folders in the inbox and rules set up. I do not have it set that way now. Do I have to try and recreate the old subfolder configuration etc. in order for the .pst file import to work?

[Kaneto]

Recreating the subfolders shouldn't be necessary, as the import process should be able to automatically create them. I would recommend first opening the archive file (by just going to File > Open > Outlook data file). The Archive folders will show up in the Navigation pane, and you can confirm that all of the subfolders are intact.

Once you're sure that everything in the archive exists as it should, try the import process again. On the step where you select the folders to be imported, make sure that "Include subfolders" is checked.

The archiving process doesn't back up your Rules, so importing an archive wont import any old rules that you had. Rules are backed up in a separate process by opening the Rules and Alerts window and clicking on the Options button.

-SW

[bschorr-MVP]

I wouldn't bother with the import process at all in this scenario. Just File | Open | Outlook Data File and open the outlook.pst and archive.pst file as is.

You may have to recreate your rules, though.