Outlook 2003 error: this is not a .pst file (it is)

[zainab.ahmad]

Hello!

A colleague sent me a dvd containing three pst files of important
contacts, to be used in my outlook 2003. It uses unicode (not 97-2002
pst files) I am using windows xp.

I have copied the files from the dvd, and removed the write protect
option.
I've tried to open the file
using the file/open/outlook data file option
using the file/import option
creating a new pst file and trying to import the files
into the new pst file created
someone suggested changing the file type association from
office data file to outlook file. Didn't work for me, though.

I've read ms online help, and some discussions online. Seems to be some
ms outlook backup tool I should have (where do i get that?) Still a bit
foggy, would appreciate some help.

Please do help urgently! I need to make a good impression and get to
work, not bleat about being unable to open the file!!


Zainab

 

[DL]

You've run scanpst.exe, the repair tool?
Perhaps the origonal DVD copy is corrupt.
ie they exported the pst, rather than simply copying
(export / import can lead to problems)

 

[zainab.ahmad]

Hi..
Yes, I have run it, and it said it isn't a pst file, can't do
anything..

I found a tool online, http://www.officerecovery.com/anyfile/ , and the
demo recovered some parts of two of the three files (will have to buy
the tool to get the whole file, if it is recoverable).

I'm waiting for feedback from them, on how they did the file.. but if
non-recoverable, I suppose that's all in vain.. ideally i need a way to
recover them..

What I need now is to be able to receive three pst files, or the
individual mails.. one is 620 mb, the other two are around 1gb.

How can I get them to transfer these files to me, without the hassles
of dvds, snail mail and pst files?

Any ideas anyone?

These are actually important files stored as emails, so if anyone can
suggest an online service where these constantly updated files can be
stored and accessed by all of us, I'd be grateful..

 

[DL]

There are a number of online storage solutions, I use Ibackup.com, however a
pst can only be accessed by a single user at any one time. You would still
have to download any off site pst to the local pc. MS doesnt support the use
of a pst over a network as it often causes corruption.
I'm no sure as to whether exchange/ost would offer a solution.
The frequent advice from MVP's seems to be, to avoid the import/export
options and simply copy a pst to cd/dvd

 

[xeneb7]

Hello!

Thanks for the tip.

I don't think they're going for online storage for such big files.. 4.5
hours just to upload the smallest, with dsl..

Any ideas how to get the files back? Other than buying that restore
tool, of course..



thanks