Permissions error when you import an Outlook 2011 identity

  • Article
  • 2 minutes to read
  • Applies to:
    Outlook 2016 for Mac, Outlook for Microsoft 365 for Mac

Original KB number:   3053602

Symptoms

When you import an Outlook 2011 identity into Outlook 2016 for Mac, you may receive the following error message:

Your identity cannot be imported as you do not have sufficient permissions on your 2011 identity.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Open Terminal using one of the following methods:

    • With Finder as the selected application, on the Go menu select Utilities. Double-click Terminal.
    • In Spotlight Search, type Terminal and then double-click Terminal from the search results.

  2. Go to the parent directory of your Outlook 2011 identity in Terminal by typing the following command.

    cd ~/Documents/Microsoft\ User\ Data/Office\ 2011\ Identities

  3. Type chmod -R 755 <Identity_Name>, and then press Enter. Steps 2 and 3 are represented in this screenshot:

    Screenshot of the Outlook 2011 identity directory Terminal window after you type the commands.

    Note

    If you do not know your Identity name, you can type LS in Terminal and then press Enter for a list of the Identity names.

This should set the correct permissions for your identity. You should now be able to launch Outlook and import your 2011 identity by selecting Import on the File menu.