Fix Outlook Error ‘PST is not compatible with this version’

Ever since its introduction outlook has been the most used email application owing to its efficient yet easy to use functionalities. Also consistent improvements have come in the application making it well performing and this well applies to latest outlook versions viz. Outlook 2003, 2007 etc. However, compatibility remains to be a major concern so far use of PST file by importing from earlier versions is concerned.

So, users of Outlook 2002 and prior versions could come across issues in the context at that moment of time. When it is attempted opening or importing personal folder .pst file which comprises of data items exported from Microsoft Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007, it is quite likely for user to see the following message on screen –

“ The file file_name.pst is not compatible with this version of the Personal Folders information service. Contact your Administrator.”


Upon receiving messages pertaining to PST file not compatible access to the very file is lost and this inaccessibility is likely to lead to critical data loss.

What causes PST not compatible error?

The issue has been found to take place in cases data in the PST file is exported from Outlook 2007 or 2003 with the help of import-export wizard. It happens on account of the fact the format used by later versions viz. 2003, 2007 is Unicode in contrast to ANSI formatted PST used in 2002 and earlier version and thus accessing information available in the former one is not possible.

How to fix PST is not compatible error outlook?

For getting rid of the problematic situation, PST Unicode format has to be changed to ANSI format, which can be done with the help of obtaining file from its previous edition.

  • For this, you need to open Outlook, go to file menu click data file management and add it
  • Now open outlook personal folder file i.e. from 97-2002, select default name and then click OK
  • With this a new PST file that is based on ANSI formatting is created in outlook 2003
  • Close the file, from Navigation bottom pane folder list could be viewed that includes the new outlook data file

Following this, information from outlook 2003, 2007 could be moved to the file, alternatively use ‘import export wizard' for the same. Emails and other items in Unicode form will be copied and the file could thereafter be used without any trouble.

In some of the situation the PST file may get damaged and become inaccessible in the process of being tried to be accessed in incompatible edition rendering PST is not compatible with this version error. A corrupt file when accessed also throws one or other error that makes it difficult to use the application properly. In such a situation the file would generate numerous errors from time to time and its items will not be accessible.

To overcome such troubles inbox repair tool and other advanced PST repair tool has been developed.