[g12]

hi everyone, I have a specific question about backing up my Outlook data, and I would really appreciate any help !

Currently, I have my Pearl set to synch with Outlook 2003 on my PC. All 4 items (Address Book, Calendar, MemoPad, Tasks) synch with Outlook which is great.

I'm just wondering, what files on my PC store all of this Outlook data, as I would like to copy and backup ALL my data? In other words-- IF I theoretically lost my Pearl, and also lost my hard drive, I want to have the backup (content files) that contain all my address book, calendar, memos, and tasks. What files on my PC store ALL this data, and what directories are they in?

I'm sure I can find the answer to this online somewhere, but I figured I'd ask here first.. again if anyone can help me out I'd greatly appreciate it.

thank you!

[g12]

bump.. anyone?

[lee_UK]

Which version of outlook do you have i.e. outlook 2003, outlook express?

[DiRN]

For Outlook 2003, go to File > Data File Management. This will give you the location of your .pst file (typically Outlook.pst). This is the file Outlook uses to store its data.

[g12]

I have Outlook 2003, running on Windows XP.

[g12]

cool, ok. I found the file 'Outlook.pst'. Does this one file store all the data for the calendar, contacts, notes, and tasks? If so, great.. I can just back up this one file then?

Thanks very much for your help.

Originally Posted by DiRN

For Outlook 2003, go to File > Data File Management. This will give you the location of your .pst file (typically Outlook.pst). This is the file Outlook uses to store its data.

[DiRN]

Correct, Outlook stores all of its data (Calendar, Contacts, Mail, etc.) in the files listed on the Data File Management Screen (just Outlook.pst by default).

I don't believe you can copy the file while Outlook is running, so be sure to shut it down before doing a copy/paste. Alternatively, you can go to File > Import and Export and create your own .pst file with just the data you care about.

[g12]

awesome.. i can now back up ALL my data using this one file which is great.

thank you !

[mpallo]

For a typical XP Pro/Outlook 2003 setup as you have, the data files (.PST, .OST etc.) are usually found in the following path:

C:\Documents and Settings\your_username\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

The Application Data data folder is hidden so you have to adjust your properties to view hidden files and folders to navigate here.

The .PST files you will usually find (archive.pst) are a result of Outlook using Auto Archive which it is set to do automatically by default on a normal install. Personally I have AA turned off so it does not auto archive my mail items etc.

[M0zez]

Remember to back up your blocked senders and safe senders lists. I forgot this once and after a year of adding junk mail to the filter I had to start it over again, if you have a large pst file mine is 1.23GB I suggest you backup all files in the folder.

M0zez