Open an Outlook data file

In order for Outlook to search a Personal Folders file for a specific word or phrase or sender, the file must be open in Outlook.

  1. In Outlook on your desktop (Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010), choose File > Open and Export > Open Outlook Data File.

  2. Choose the Outlook data file you want to open.

  3. Choose the file named "archive."

  4. Expand the top level of the Outlook data file in the Outlook Navigation pane to see the subfolders in the file. Click each subfolder to see the contents.

    Expand the archive file in the nav pane to see the subfolders under it.

  5. To search for a specific email, use Outlook's built-in search tools.

  6. If you want to import your archived items back into your Inbox, follow the instructions for importing a .pst file.