Evolution 2.26 does not support import of outlook .pst

thank you for your bug report, that's a known issue blocked on bug #317602

Aha, feature is extremely needed. Please, correct ASAP :)

you can use the libpst command line util which is available in universe for that the evolution integration would be nice to get but not extremely needed as you write

OK, Sebastian, you're right :) For me, it's not extremely needed because I already imported all the data using libpst.
But this option (Outlook -> Evolution import) is mentioned in Gnome 2.26 release notes as one of the most important thing of the release (item 2.3). So it's very strange that in Ubuntu 9.04 with Gnome 2.26 this is not included.

IMHO, simplicity of data migration is one of the most important things in operation system switching. Some people are more IT-skilled and some are less so they can't make the trick with libpst. And that's why I use term "extemely". But of course it's only my point of view and nothing more :)

nobody denies it will be good to have but GNOME notes are not Ubuntu one and most users are not switching from microsoft OSes especially or they are using webmail, imap, etc

"But this option (Outlook -> Evolution import) is mentioned in Gnome 2.26 release notes as one of the most important thing of the release (item 2.3). So it's very strange that in Ubuntu 9.04 with Gnome 2.26 this is not included."

+1

If this feature is in the release notes, it should be there! I know a lot of people who was very excited with the idea of importing PST to evolution and, when Jaunty came, they get frustrated

I think that should be considered more important than a "Whishlist" since it`s in the release notes!

you would have to point where it's in jaunty notes, it might be in the GNOME notes but GNOME != Ubuntu

don't assign the bug to yourself if you are not going to work on the issue

Yeah, I know that. I think I got confused on my citation, but, since it`s it gnome`s notes, it should be available on it. Ubuntu decide what will and what wont go into Jaunty. Like Ekiga3 that, even ekiga3 was released just before Intrepid it only came in Jaunty

And, I`m really really sorry for assigning the bug to me. I didn`t mean to do that, I just didn`t know what "assign the bug as me" would do.

Damnit. I just setup Jaunty 9.04 on my brand new Dell E6500 (which BTW is THE best notebook I've ever seen or owned -- fully rocks and is very well supported in XP and Ubuntu!). I too am switching away from XP/Vista/7/etc. and was REALLY looking forward to this. Email and specifically Outlook 2003 is critical to me. Webmail BLOWS! Evolution with pst import is a long overdue necessity. I hope you guys get this resolved sooner than later and maybe some step by step instructions here as to how to use libpst in the mean time?

If you're just now migrating from a Windows/Outlook environment, you could always use Crossover Office from Codeweavers which enables you to run Outlook 2003 directly under linux using a Wine compatibility layer. I ran this for a while until I was able to move away from Outlook/Exchange and found most of the time it ran quicker than Outlook under Windows.

I know it's not the best or most linux native solution but until .pst importing into Evolution or whatever is properly supported it's probably the easiest way to go.

Hi all,
I think is very important to have this feature in Jaunty and I hope someone can work to add it.

At work I'm switching to Ubuntu from WinXP; the last think to do is to delete my XP Virtualbox machine that I use only to open Outlook emai client

+1

Regards,
Giovanni

jaunty is stable and will not change now, there is a command line utility you can use if needed though, that will have to do until karmic is stable

This feature is crucial. I have just spent hours to find out a good way to migrate the contacts (with categories) from outlook to evolution and still haven't found it!!
Please help to implement it asap. In the meantime, may you give a step-by-step instruction (as wished before) how to install libpst. The instructions on http://www.go-evolution.org/Libpst are not enough for a newbie like me.

Thanks in advance!

Is this going to make it into Karmic?

Libpst is up to 0.6.27, which is past the required version point. I just checked Alpha6 and the pst import is still not enable.

> Libpst is up to 0.6.27, which is past the required version point.

no, the evolution version in karmic requires 0.6.41, I had a quick look to package the libpst update but it failes to build and I've been too busy to work on getting that updated

I will echo the sentiments of others that I consider this a far more important issue than it is being credited with. Many users have substantial content in .PST files and need to migrate it. Just do a Google search and you'll find so many hits, including from the Ubuntu Forums.

> issue than it is being credited with

the issue is not credited with anything, the work is just done by volunteers and there way too many tasks for the number of contributors, you are free to help there if you want, for now we focus on issues which affect all users on ubuntu and not only those who need to migrate datas once especially when there is command lines tools doing the job as a workaround for those who really need to do that until the change lands, I would be happy to sponsor a libpst update if anybody manage to get it to build though

@Sebastian, I know how Open Source works, and I wasn't personally addressing you. I do feel that there ought to be a higher priority, generally, with respect to migrating users from Outlook, the remaining piece of Office that keeps many users captive to Microsoft. I've had this discussion with folks from Sun in the past, too, who said that they had 20,000 reasons to see it happen.

Personally, I have about 10GB of data in an XP VM (for Outlook 2K) to migrate.

> there is command lines tools doing the job as a workaround for those who really need to do that ...

Which command line tool(s) to use to migrate 10GB of mail, contacts and calendar? Mind you, if I wanted to use a usine à gaz approach, I could have done that by now. :-)

> ... until the change lands

I may try using Fedora to do the migration, and then copy the files over to my Ubuntu environment, and see whether Evolution will support putting the data on a volume.

> I would be happy to sponsor a libpst update if anybody manage to get it to build though

What needs to be done?

I tried to compile the 0.6.44 and 0.6.43 versions. Both fail during the "./configure" stage with some problems with the python libraries. So, I tried, but didn't succeed. I also installed the python2.6-dev and this didn't seem to help anything.

> What needs to be done?

the karmic libpst version needs to be updated to the current version by somebody who knows a bit about packaging and is wanting to look to those python build issues mentioned in the previous comment

I will have a look at it. Upstream libpst has been very active, and it is not a guarantee that a newer version than the one supported by Evolution 2.28 will work.

The required libpst for Evolution 2.28 has been accepted, and it is being built. Evolution will be updated as soon as we confirm libpst is OK.

@C de-Avillez, thank you! If I install the libpst from your PPA, is that sufficient, or do I need an updated Evolution, too?

No, the libpst off my PPA is not enough. We also need Evolution rebuilt to enable the plugin. I intend to prepare the new Evo update in a few -- probably tomorrow, and will publish it in the PPA.

the change will wait after beta now since karmic is frozen and that doesn't seem important to get now

I have built the required libpst 0.6.41, and rebuilt Evolution 2.28 to enable the PST-importer plugin. You can find them at my PPA (https://edge.launchpad.net/~hggdh2/+archive/ppa/+packages). These are TEST packages, and feedback is appreciated.

You will need to install *at least* the libpst_0.6.41-0ubuntu2~ppa2 and evolution-plugins_2.28.0-0ubuntu3~ppa2 for your architecture (evolution-plugins is the only changed package for the Evolution binaries, and libpst is the required run-time library).

Please report back your experiences, either directly to me, or here.

@TeutonJon78: there seems to be an issue on libboost-python. An easy bypass -- which I took, BTW -- is to run configure with --disable-python.

@C de-Avillez, thank you!

I have installed from your PPA, and imported e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks using a couple of my PST files. At first glance, it appears to run OK. There are issues with UI timeouts on large (2GB) files, but at least the process appears to work. I'll take more time to look at it next week, with the goal of switching over all 10GB of Outlook content.

Oh, BTW: this debdiff depends on bug 351577.

This bug was fixed in the package evolution - 2.28.0-0ubuntu3

---------------
evolution (2.28.0-0ubuntu3) karmic; urgency=low

  * added in the pst-import plugin (allows importing Outlook .PST
    files (lp: #349312)
    - added build-depend on libpst-dev
    - updated description for the binary package evolution-plugins, including
      pst-import
  * debian/evolution-plugins.install: added pst-import

 -- C de-Avillez <email address hidden> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:14:26 -0500

I'm running Ubuntu Karmic 9.10 and the Evolution does a fine job of importing PST now, via File>Import>Import a Single File

This is fine work... Nice job!! Not even Mac entorage 2008 has this capability!

If there's one more thing I could ask for, it would be to make it so Evolution will automatically launch and start the import process when double-clicking on a *.pst file.

IMHO, the easier you make it for the Ubuntu to be a drop in replacement for win/olk, the more Ubuntu will get implemented in the workplace. I use Evolution with the es2007 server every day(IMAP) and the only thing I have a problem with is not being able to see free/busy information on the calendar for others, and the address resolution from the gal - I can't see to get it configured to work properly. I like Evolution a lot better for the speed and no bloat.

Does anyone know how to change the "skin" for Evolution? That would be an awesome feature.

Regards,
Shannon VanWagner

It would be good is at least one of you long time Ubuntu users could take a little time and explain in plain English not geek-language, just how to install/build whatever's needed so that new users not conversant with C++ or some other code/command line inputting can actually do what you experts on here seem to take for granted. Everybody has to learn sometime, and I've read through all the text relating to libpst so that .pst files can be imported into Evolution, and quite honestly it may as well be writen in Russian for me! (No offense to any Russian speakers intended.) I've got the packages from the package manager, and installed them as recommended, but zip, absolutely zip.
Anybody willing to show a complete der-der, line by simple line how to do this?
It wouldn't take long and then you could go back to talking amongst yourselves in your higher language, and I could just get on with my busy life. I have to say though, it's the only thing in Ubuntu that's proved too difficult for me to be fair.
Regards from a newby,
Holmesy.

@Holmesy:

I am sorry. It is easy to talk, er, cryptically (i.e., our higher language) here. Goes with the work performed here.

But. Assuming you are running Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic), and are up-to-date with the packages:

1. On Evolution, Click on Edit/Plugins;
2. On the Plugin Manager window that will appear, scroll down until you see a plugin called "Outlook PST Import"; make sure the checkmark on the left *IS* checked, and click on the Close button;
3. Now, again on Evolution, click on File/Import;
4. You will get a window titled "Evolution Import Assistant", with some yadda yadda. Click on the Forward button;
5. The next window shown is titled "Importer Type". You have two selections there. Make sure you select "import a single file" (you can only import one Outlook PST at a time); click "Forward";
6. next windows is titled "Select a File". (a) browse and find your PST file you wish to import, and make sure the "File type" is set to "Outlook personal folders (PST)"; click "Forward"

and from there on I cannot really help you, since I do not have any PSTs I can play with.

Finally, your question would probably be better resolved as a support question -- https://answers.launchpad.net, or at the forum -- http://ubuntuforums.com --.

Now, back to the higher language. There is a reason we talk a higher language here (at bugs.lp.net): this is where the bits, bolts, and bytes are discussed to *resolve* -- fix -- the bug. We are not talking (apart, perhaps, from the reporter) to people starting to use a package, or Linux. We are trying to fix a problem, and the discussion will usually be technically oriented. In fact, most of the times, *must* be technically oriented.

Finally, I completely agree Evolution help and manuals should be better. This is a good place for you to work on, helping others. We all, technical people and newbies, will be very grateful if you do so.

p.s. I slightly resent the "and I could just get on with my busy life". Are you suggesting *your* busy life is more important than *ours*? I personally think *mine* is more important, and I still took time off to answer your request.

Hope it helps.

@Shannon: Evolution itself has no skins; whatever is used is taken from the Gnome/XFCE/Whatever session setup.

For the click-on-pst-and-Evo-kicks-in part: I am not sure. Perhaps it can be done, but it would be something done upstream. You can open such a request -- a bug, actually -- at http://bugs.gnome.org, or open a new one on LP (and I will forward it upstream).

@C de-Avillez,

No insult meant or intended.

We're all busy, and importance in life is relevant to each individual.

I am very appreciative of any help given as like maybe lots of newby's
to Ubuntu, I'm feeling my way in the dark to some extent after the
razzle-dazzle of Windows.

So, sorry if I insulted you or likened you to a 'Spok' type person.

Lastly, as far as I'm aware, I'm up to date with packages as they're
downloaded every time Ubuntu informs me, but for some reason I've done
something wrong as I don't have a plugin called 'outlook pst import'.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers, Holmesy.

On Wed, 2009-10-21 at 19:55 +0000, C de-Avillez wrote:
> @Holmesy:
>
> I am sorry. It is easy to talk, er, cryptically (i.e., our higher
> language) here. Goes with the work performed here.
>
> But. Assuming you are running Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic), and are up-to-date
> with the packages:
>
> 1. On Evolution, Click on Edit/Plugins;
> 2. On the Plugin Manager window that will appear, scroll down until you see a plugin called "Outlook PST Import"; make sure the checkmark on the left *IS* checked, and click on the Close button;
> 3. Now, again on Evolution, click on File/Import;
> 4. You will get a window titled "Evolution Import Assistant", with some yadda yadda. Click on the Forward button;
> 5. The next window shown is titled "Importer Type". You have two selections there. Make sure you select "import a single file" (you can only import one Outlook PST at a time); click "Forward";
> 6. next windows is titled "Select a File". (a) browse and find your PST file you wish to import, and make sure the "File type" is set to "Outlook personal folders (PST)"; click "Forward"
>
> and from there on I cannot really help you, since I do not have any PSTs
> I can play with.
>
> Finally, your question would probably be better resolved as a support
> question -- https://answers.launchpad.net, or at the forum --
> http://ubuntuforums.com --.
>
> Now, back to the higher language. There is a reason we talk a higher
> language here (at bugs.lp.net): this is where the bits, bolts, and bytes
> are discussed to *resolve* -- fix -- the bug. We are not talking (apart,
> perhaps, from the reporter) to people starting to use a package, or
> Linux. We are trying to fix a problem, and the discussion will usually
> be technically oriented. In fact, most of the times, *must* be
> technically oriented.
>
> Finally, I completely agree Evolution help and manuals should be better.
> This is a good place for you to work on, helping others. We all,
> technical people and newbies, will be very grateful if you do so.
>
> p.s. I slightly resent the "and I could just get on with my busy life".
> Are you suggesting *your* busy life is more important than *ours*? I
> personally think *mine* is more important, and I still took time off to
> answer your request.
>
> Hope it helps.
>

OK, no problems.

Now, back to your issue: you may not have done anything wrong, it may be as simple as you are not on the required Ubuntu version...

Are you running Ubuntu Karmic? If you are not, it will not work. The necessary requirements are:

- Ubuntu Karmic (a.k.a. Ubuntu 9.10, currently on Beta going to RC)
 - LIBPST 0.6.41
 - Evolution 2.28.* (all evolution and evolution-data-server packages, except the -dev ones)
   (see https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DebuggingEvolution, headers (1) and (2) for a list)

You can check your Evolution version level by clicking on Help/About.

Both Evo 2.28.* and Libpst 0.6.41 are *only* available for Karmic, and will not be backported to Jaunty or earlier. The code changes are significant, and I personaly do not think there is enough cause for a backport.

On the other hand, if you are running Jaunty, you can convert PST files by running 'readpst' from a terminal. You will have to install the 'libpst' and the 'readpst' packages to do that.

On the, er, other other hand, you *may* be able to use 'readpst' from a previous-to-Jaunty Ubuntu release, but these versions of 'readpst' do are unable to deal with PST files from Outlook 2003 onwards.

Cheers

My mistake.

I'm running Ubuntu 9.04 -Jaunty Jackalope.
I'll live with what I've got, and wait for future developments, but one
things for certain, I'm not going back to Microsoft.

Cheers Holmesy.

On Thu, 2009-10-22 at 16:06 +0000, C de-Avillez wrote:
> OK, no problems.
>
> Now, back to your issue: you may not have done anything wrong, it may be
> as simple as you are not on the required Ubuntu version...
>
> Are you running Ubuntu Karmic? If you are not, it will not work. The
> necessary requirements are:
>
> - Ubuntu Karmic (a.k.a. Ubuntu 9.10, currently on Beta going to RC)
> - LIBPST 0.6.41
> - Evolution 2.28.* (all evolution and evolution-data-server packages, except the -dev ones)
> (see https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DebuggingEvolution, headers (1) and (2) for a list)
>
> You can check your Evolution version level by clicking on Help/About.
>
> Both Evo 2.28.* and Libpst 0.6.41 are *only* available for Karmic, and
> will not be backported to Jaunty or earlier. The code changes are
> significant, and I personaly do not think there is enough cause for a
> backport.
>
> On the other hand, if you are running Jaunty, you can convert PST files
> by running 'readpst' from a terminal. You will have to install the
> 'libpst' and the 'readpst' packages to do that.
>
> On the, er, other other hand, you *may* be able to use 'readpst' from a
> previous-to-Jaunty Ubuntu release, but these versions of 'readpst' do
> are unable to deal with PST files from Outlook 2003 onwards.
>
> Cheers
>

For whoever wishes to tinker with this, Microsoft has just released open sourced PST manipulation tools, which presumably will enable Thunderbird/Evolution/etc to implement improved PST fupport shortly:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/05/24/microsoft_outlook_open_source_tools/
http://pstviewtool.codeplex.com/
http://pstsdk.codeplex.com/

Hi, guys.

Its almost the end of 2010 year and Microsoft opened PST format specifications couple months ago, but my Evolution is still not able to import outlook data files.

I'm using Ubuntu 10.04 and I don't have and option to import PST files in my Evolution import dialog.
What is wrong with my Evolution?

Was this fix really released?

Joseph, use this ppa it has evolution 2.30.3 which I think support .pst
https://launchpad.net/~jacob/+archive/evo230

On Thu, Oct 7, 2010 at 2:38 PM, Joseph Chereshnovsky <email address hidden>wrote:

> Hi, guys.
>
> Its almost the end of 2010 year and Microsoft opened PST format
> specifications couple months ago, but my Evolution is still not able to
> import outlook data files.
>
> I'm using Ubuntu 10.04 and I don't have and option to import PST files in
> my Evolution import dialog.
> What is wrong with my Evolution?
>
> Was this fix really released?
>
> --
> Evolution 2.26 does not support import of outlook .pst
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/349312
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to
> evolution in ubuntu.
>
> Status in “evolution” package in Ubuntu: Fix Released
> Status in “evolution” package in Fedora: Fix Released
>
> Bug description:
> Binary package hint: evolution
>
> According to the gnome 2.26 release notes Evolution 2.26 included in Jaunty
> supports import of Outlook .pst-files. Anyway, I cannot find a way to import
> .pst-files in Evolution in Jaunty Jackalope. According to the Gnome roadmap
> 'libpst' is needed: "PST plugin support [if libpst is available] ". I cannot
> find this library in the repository.
>
> I think this is a very important and long-awaited feature, since the
> migration from Outlook to Evolution is quiet complicated right now. This
> should be included in Jaunty and installed by default.
>
> Description: Ubuntu jaunty (development branch)
> Release: 9.04
>
> evolution:
> Installed: 2.26.0-0ubuntu2
> Candidate: 2.26.0-0ubuntu2
> Version table:
> *** 2.26.0-0ubuntu2 0
> 500 http://archive.ubuntu.com jaunty/main Packages
> 100 /var/lib/dpkg/status
>
> ProblemType: Bug
> Architecture: i386
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 9.04
> NonfreeKernelModules: nvidia
> Package: evolution 2.26.0-0ubuntu2
> ProcEnviron:
> LANG=de_DE.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> SourcePackage: evolution
> Uname: Linux 2.6.28-11-generic i686
>
>
>