The "Import and Export" option in Outlook is unavailable

Consider the following scenario:

• You run an English version of a Windows operating system. For example, you run Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.
• You install a non-English version of Microsoft Outlook. For example, you install a non-English version of Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, or Microsoft Outlook 2010.
• You try to import or export data in Outlook.

In this scenario, the Import and Export option on the File menu or on the File tab is unavailable.

This issue may occur when the current language for non-Unicode programs in Windows is set to a different language than the installed version of Outlook.

To resolve this issue, set current language for non-Unicode programs in Windows to the same language as the installed version of Outlook.

To do this, follow these steps:

Windows Vista or Windows 7

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Clock, Language, and Regional.
3. Click Regional and Language.
4. Click the Administrative tab.
5. If the Current language for non-Unicode programs option is set to a language different from the installed version of Outlook, click Change system locale.
6. In the Current system locale box, choose the locale that matches the installed version of Outlook and then click OK.
7. Click OK to close the Regional and Language dialog box.

Windows XP

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
3. Click Regional and Language Options.
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. In the Select a language to match the language version of the non-Unicode programs you want to use box, choose the locale that matches the installed version of Outlook and then click OK.

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