Microsoft Outlook backup

Slanofka · 10th May 2003

I am using Microsoft Outlook. I may be getting a new Hard Drive soon. Therefore, I will need to backup my accounts file (the file that contains my pop3 addresses, usernames and passwords). Where is this file located and what is it called?

**Miz** · 10th May 2003

Instructions are on this page, scroll down to "Export the Mail Account to a File."

**jdover** · 11th May 2003

The file that contains all data is called Outlook.pst and you may have one also called archive.pst if you have set autoarchive.

This is what I use where D: is my cdrw drive and the username is John. You ought to backup these file regularly anyhow.

xcopy "c:\Documents and Settings\John\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst" d:\outlook /y/c

xcopy "c:\Documents and Settings\John\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Archive.pst" d:\outlook /y/c

Slanofka · 11th May 2003

Oh good, I've backed those files up already anyway. I just thought that there may have been some other files that I had to back up. Also, how will I import that file when I get a new HD?

**jdover** · 11th May 2003

Once you have installed Outlook you overwrite the new (empty) outlook.pst file, open Outlook and ok the message you get about recreating shortcuts and bingo.

It's strange that such an important operation is so hard to find info on isn't it?