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Make the switch to Outlook 2013
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Make the switch to Outlook 2013

Import data files

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If you’re missing some old email in your folder list, you may be able to add it back to Outlook 2013 by importing a data file.

Import from your old mailbox

On the computer with the previous version of Outlook   .

  1. Click File > Import and Export > Export to a file > Personal Folder File.

  2. Choose the items to export, such as your Inbox, contacts, or calendar.

  3. Choose a location for the exported data (a .pst file).

    In Outlook 2013

  4. Click File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File.

  5. Locate the .pst you exported and click OK.

The data file appears in your folder list. Use it like any mailbox, or drag the data to your new mailbox and remove the imported .pst from your folder list. To remove: File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files tab, select the imported file, click Remove.

If you find that you’re missing some old email in your folder list, you may be able to bring it back by importing a data file.

When you first added your account, Outlook connected to your mail server, and download all your online data by email, calendar, and contacts.

But, if you don't see all your data in the folder list, it could be because it's stored on your computer.

And to get it back, you need to import it manually. Here’s how to do that.

First, go to the computer that you're running the previous version of Outlook on.

If it’s still installed, you can use it to create a data file.

On the File menu, click Import and Export, Then follow the wizard to Export to a file, a personal folder or .pst file.

Choose what you want to export, and finally enter a location for the file.

Make sure you have a way to access to file on the computer running Outlook 2013.

For example, you could transfer over network or use a flash drive.

Now in Outlook 2013, click the File tab, click Open & Export, and, Open Outlook Data File.

Locate the .pst file, and finally click OK.

Your old data file shows up in the folder list.

And, you can work with the folders and files in the same way you did before.

So, now you have all the information you need to make the switch to Outlook 2013.

Of course, there’s always more to learn.

You can start by trying Outlook on your own, create a new e-mail, or meeting request and look through the rhythm in each area.

Also check out the Course Summary for more information about Outlook 2013.

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