Outlook Classic - Can No Longer Add New Data (PST) Files

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

Hello, all. I am (just recently .... last 48 to 72 hours) no longer able to add a new Data File (PST) in Outlook Classic through Account Settings. I receive an error code of 0x8007002. Please see the attached.

I have Googled for hours trying to fix this from restarting Outlook to completely updating (repairing) Office 365. Any ideas for a solution would be much appreciated. I have historical information from several accounts that I need to add/remove when searching for prior content and attachments.

Thank you in advance for your help and consideration.

Rollback_Jockey · Aug 13, 2024

Try removing the '@' symbol

P.S. That's an OST file you're pointing to.

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

Not sure what you mean by adding a new DATA file?
For which account are you trying to setup an email account for? Gmail? If for GMAIl, it’s already setup as an IMAP account, you’ll need to remove it and create it again using the following.

Try this:

How to set gmail pop3 account on Outlook 21

I have done a Win 11 23h2 clean install on my wife's computer and installed Office 2021. The Outlook doesn't allow me to set my gmail manually. It does it automatically and set as IMAP. As I have all the old Outlook 2010 pst files I want to set: - Gmail as pop3 and not as IMAP, as pst can be...

www.elevenforum.com

Where it says “Select “Existing Outlook Data File” and browse to the PST you want to use.” ignore unless you want to use one, Outlook should create a PST file based on the gmail account if you want a new PST.

Make sure in this step, if you’re not using an existing data file, you select a New Outlook data file

You’ll need the Gmail SMTP and incomming server details, you’ll also need authentification

Read Gmail messages on other email clients using POP - Gmail Help

You can open your messages from Gmail in other mail clients that support POP, like Microsoft Outlook. Step 1: Make sure POP is the best way to read your emails IMAP and POP are both ways to rea

support.google.com

Sorry I don’t currently have time to make you a personal step setup. If you’re not adding gmail, tell me.

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

PST DATA files by default are saved to Document\Outlook Files\

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

One last thing. There have been occasions where members (and non members) have been stumped with setting up Outlook. I have connected remotely using Microsoft Quick Access. Unless there is an issue with your install unknown to me, I can help.
PM me to setup a time.

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

Hello, all. I appreciate your responses. I am simply trying to add an old data (PST) file to my current Outlook application. Previously, I would 1) select the " Data Files" tab, 2) select the "Add" function and 3) a browse window would pop up to let me find the data (PST) file I wanted to add.

I am NOT trying to add a new email account. The PST (not OST) file is a data file that can be generated/exported from Outlook so the information can be added for future access. I am not pointing at any of the current PST/OST files. Those are irrelevant as I am attempting to add a NEW PST file. The location of the previous PST file is also irrelevant as it (when working) allowed me to browse for the file's location. I hope this helps.

OF NOTE: I found a workaround involving importing the PST information into Outlook. I can then find what I need to use. After that, I can export the information back out to the PST file. The import/export functions are a bit more involved and take a bit longer ... but at least I can still access the information.

For information only, please see the following:

An Outlook Data File (.pst) contains your messages and other Outlook items and is saved on your computer. POP accounts—which is a common type of account you can create when adding an email account from an internet service provider (ISP) like Xfinity or AT&T or Cox—download all of your email messages from your mail server and save them on your computer.

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

SDoggette said:
For information only, please see the following:

An Outlook Data File (.pst) contains your messages and other Outlook items and is saved on your computer. POP accounts—which is a common type of account you can create when adding an email account from an internet service provider (ISP) like Xfinity or AT&T or Cox—download all of your email messages from your mail server and save them on your computer.

I think members that would respond, understand all that.

Select the File tab.
Go to Open & Export
In the Import and Export Wizard, select Import from another program or file, and then select Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst), and then select Next.
Type the path and the name of the .pst file that you want to import, or select Browse to select the file to import.

Note
Under Options, we recommended that you select Do not import duplicates, unless you want the imported information to replace or duplicate items that are already in Outlook .
Select Next.
Select the folder that you want to import. To import everything in the .pst file, select the top of the hierarchy.

Note
The top folder (usually Personal Folders, Outlook Data File, or your email address) is selected automatically. Include subfolders is selected by default. All folders under the folder selected will be imported.
Select Finish.

Alternatively, you should just be able to import via File>Open & Export>Open Outlook Data File

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

SDoggette said:
I am NOT trying to add a new email account. The PST (not OST)

The screenshot shows an OST. So...

I used the method you tried in the screenshot and imported a PST file without error. It showed in Outlook without problem.

I'd suggest that your PST file is possibly corrupted or your Outlook install has problems.

SDoggette said:
OF NOTE: I found a workaround involving importing the PST information into Outlook. I can then find what I need to use. After that, I can export the information back out to the PST file. The import/export functions are a bit more involved and take a bit longer ... but at least I can still access the information.

I have no idea what you're trying to explain or do.

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

If you're trying to create a new PST file, that's another issue and you don't use "ADD" in the data screen to do so. You use the Import Export and select Export

File> Open & Export> Import/Export> Export to file> Outlook Data File (PST)> Select the files/folders/sub-folder you want to add to the PST> Finish

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

@antspants - That import/export process you are showing is the workaround I am using. I cannot understand why the "Add" function no longer works. Interestingly, the "Open Outlook Data File" function/button you show above was also not working earlier. I tried it just now and it functions as expected. Yay!

@antspants - Thank you for all of time and attention. It is very much appreciated.

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

The Add function should work IF there is a PST file to ADD. Otherwise one needs to be created, as I would expect you know.

You could also simply use an old PST file, add it, delete everything or what you don't need, drag anything you want contained in that PST, to the PST from other accounts.

I have IMAP Accounts but at the top I also have a PST file that I drag mail into. I've been using a PST for near 20 years, the same PST. (It's massive)

SDoggette said:
Thank you for all of time and attention. It is very much appreciated.

Hey, all good. Things get lost in translation though so best to be short and precise. Glad you worked it out

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

@antspants Understood and appreciate the additional information/context. Again ... thanks so much.

Dru2 · Aug 13, 2024

Check that the PST file isn't corrupt as you should very easily be able to add a PST date file to classic. I do it every time I have to setup my email accounts and all I've ever done is exactly what the OP is doing. Works every time.

And yes.... this is most definitely with Outlook classic (Office 365 subscription edition).

See if this helps - How to repair corrupted .pst file Microsoft Outlook 365 - see post by Eleni Constantinou

I've never needed to do what antspants posted in post #3. I have used the procedures in post #7 when needing to import.

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

@Dru2 Thank you. That is the interesting thing, I never get to being able to select a PST file ... so it can't be a corrupted PST file. I get the error message as soon as I select the "Add" function. The option to browse for a former PST file never happens.

Dru2 · Aug 13, 2024

SDoggette said:
@Dru2 Thank you. That is the interesting thing, I never get to being able to select a PST file ... so it can't be a corrupted PST file. I get the error message as soon as I select the "Add" function. The option to browse for a former PST file never happens.

Now that's odd. Can you at least browse to the area where the file is?

Where is the file you're trying to add located? Try moving (or copying) the file to another place, browse there and see if you can add?

antspants · Aug 13, 2024

I must of been talking to myself again.

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

As I mentioned before, the option to browse never happens. The error message is thrown immediately when I select add. So ... the location of the PST file that I want to add doesn't matter. It really is strange.

Dru2 · Aug 13, 2024

SDoggette said:
As I mentioned before, the option to browse never happens. The error message is thrown immediately when I select add. So ... the location of the PST file that I want to add doesn't matter. It really is strange.

Got you. Sorry for my misunderstandings.

Anyway, if you're at that point I'd look at Outlook. I know you did a repair, but perhaps a reinstall as a last result? In the meantime, you do have your workaround

BTW, were there any updates before you noticed the issue?

SDoggette · Aug 13, 2024

@Dru2 No worries at all. Thanks for your feedback and suggestions. There were no updates (of which I am aware) before this started happening. That's one of the reasons I find it so curious. I had just used that process a couple of days earlier to add and then remove the previously save PST file. Go figure! HAH.