Windows 11, MS Home & Business 2024 -Outlook issues

Question

I am unable to move my 2010 outlook files to Win11, Outlook without a subscription even though I was advised this was possible when I purchased it. How can I convert my .pst files to the required .eml so I can import to 2024 outlook? These files are absolutely essential. Additionally, the "New Outlook" will not open "classic outlook" since the MS software updates. Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

Answer 1

Hi MaxnMed, 

I understand how important your archived data is and how frustrating it is to feel blocked from accessing those essential files. I would like to clarify a few points to help you regain access to your information. 

First, it is important to know that you do not need to convert your .pst files to .eml format. In fact, doing so is not recommended, as it can cause you to lose your folder structure, calendar entries, and contact data. Outlook is designed to work natively with .pst files. 

The reason you are having trouble is likely because the "New Outlook" for Windows is a different, web-based application that currently has limited support for local .pst files compared to classic Outlook. To regain access to your files, please follow these steps to force the Classic version: 

1. Force Classic Outlook to open 

• Press the Windows Key + R, type outlook.exe, and press Enter. 
• If "New Outlook" still opens, press Windows Key + R again, paste the following path: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE", and press Enter. 
• Once Classic Outlook is open, right-click the icon on your taskbar and select Pin to taskbar so you can access it easily in the future. 

2. Stop the "New Outlook" redirect 

• Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. 
• Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences 
• Double-click the UseNewOutlook entry, change the "Value data" from 1 to 0, and click OK. 

3. Open your PST files natively 

• In Classic Outlook, click File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File. 
• Select your 2010 .pst files. They will load exactly as you left them, with all your folders and data intact—no conversion required. 

I hope these steps help you successfully access all of your essential files. If you run into any trouble getting the classic version to open or need further assistance, please feel free to reach back out. 

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