Can't import OL 2000.pst file created on Vista machine

[A Baffled User]

I use OL 2000 on a laptop and a desktop computer. The only difference is
that on my desktop, which runs Vista Home Premium, OL has "Services,"
whereas OL on the laptop, running XP SP3, has "Accounts." Both machines
produce .pst files.

My notebook computer was out of commission for a week due to a virus. I have
just tried to import a .pst file of messages, tasks, etc. from the desktop
to the laptop. No dice. I get the message that properties for this
information service must be defined prior to use, or something to that
effect.

I did an online search and tried to follow the directions given by a
Microsoft site to save the desktop .pst file as an Outlook 97-2002 Personal
Folders File (*.pst), but OL 2000 does not provide that option.

Is there a way to get around this?

Many thanks in advance,
Joan

 

[Roady [MVP]]

The version of Windows is irrelevant in this case. What important is the
version of Outlook that is being used on both machines; are these both
Outlook 2000?

Do not use the import feature but use File-> Open-> Personal Data File...
instead.
If that isn't available either, or you get the same error, then add the
pst-file via Tools-> Accounts or Tools-> Services instead.
If that still doesn't work, rerun the Office 2000 installer and make sure
you have support for pst-files installed.

The difference in naming (Services or Accounts) is caused by the
installation mode that you used; IMO or CW Mode. In order to get Outlook
2000 working on Windows Vista, you need to install it in CW mode (which you
did). Note that you'd still be in an unsupported configuration though and
other issues might arise.

 

[A Baffled User]

Thanks, Roady. Both computers are using OL 2000. I get the same message re
defining properties when I try to Open>Personal Folders File (.pst) on the
laptop (i.e., trying to open a small .pst file transferred over from the
desktop).

You suggest that I add the pst file via Tools>Accounts. When I click Add, I
get a choice between Mail and Directory Service. Which should I try?

Joan

 

[A Baffled User]

I just figured out what the problem was. Somehow the .pst file I was trying
to open and/or import had gotten marked Read Only. Once I removed that check
mark from the Properties dialog box, the file behaved normally.

Thanks for your help, though!

Joan

 

[Roady [MVP]]

You're welcome and good to hear you've found a solution .

 

[Brian Tillman [MVP-Outlook]]

I just figured out what the problem was. Somehow the .pst file I was trying
to open and/or import had gotten marked Read Only. Once I removed that check
mark from the Properties dialog box, the file behaved normally.

The reason you see a difference in the Tools menu is that on the Vista machine
you've configured Outlook 2000 in Corporate/Workgroup mode, since that's the
only way Outlook 2000 will run on Vista. On the XP machine, you've configured
it in Internet Mail Only mode.

One of the ways the PST can acquire the read-only attribute is if you use a CD
to transfer it between the machines. Anything on a CD is, by definition,
read-only. This includes anything you copy from a CD as well.

 

[A Baffled User]

Aha! I'll try to remember that from now on. Problem is, I so infrequently
have to transfer .pst files between computers that I forget what can go
wrong from one time to the next. I'll write myself a note.

Thanks!