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How can I open a PST archive file in Outlook?

PST (Personal Folder) files are archive files used by Microsoft Outlook. The items stored in a PST file do not use up any space allocated to your mailbox, but use only the disk space required by the size of the file.  You can open a PST file in Outlook and attach it to your Outlook navigation pane.  That allows you to browse, read, reply, and move additional items into the PST file from within Outlook.

Once you Open a PST file in Outlook, it remains in your navigation pane until you close it--even if you exit Outlook and restart it.  Below are the instructions for opening a PST file in Outlook and closing a PST file.

Opening a PST file in Outlook

1. Click on the File menu, select Open, then select Outlook Data File.
2. Navigate to the PST file you want to open and select it.
3. Click OK. The PST file folders will be added to the Outlook navigation pane. The PST file will remain attached in Outlook until you close it, even if you restart Outlook.
    

Closing a PST file in Outlook

1. Right-click on the PST folder that you want to close in the navigation pane.
2. Select Close "folder name" from the pop-up menu. The PST file is now removed from the Outlook navigation pane.