Backing up Outlook 2007

[GodlessAstronomer]

I'm doing a format on my parents computer after a few years of building up layers of junk on the HDD. I need to backup everything in Outlook 2007 most importantly.

There are two mail accounts set up (I have all of the details for them) plus a number of folders and some rules for moving emails to folders depending on the outgoing address. Will all of this be stored in the .pst file or is there more I need to back up? I need to be sure I have got all of their stored mail, in the correct folders. Also I must not lose the contacts.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I have used GMail exclusively for years so I have little experience with Outlook.

 

[redbeard1]

If you are used to the auto complete filling in email addresses in Outlook, you will want find the .nk2 file in you user profile and save it. It is a hidden system file. After you reinstall Outlook and run it, it will create a new .nk2 file. Rename the new one and copy in your backed up version and all of your auto complete will be there.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Excellent thanks for the advice, certainly something I'm interested in.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

If you run the Office Save My Settings thing, I think 2007 has it, it should get the profiles for you.

If not, make sure you get the following folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Also, search the computer for the .pst (Archive folders), .pab (Personal Address Book), and .odf (Outlook/Offline Data File)

I do this at work so I think that is everything.

 

[Navid]

Unfortunately, saving the pst file it is not enough.
Also, Office 2007 does not have "Save my settings" like Office 2003 did.

Fortunately, "Windows Easy Transfer" will do the trick.

Start it and select "Old Computer" and save the settings to a file on a separate partition or drive or CD or DVD. Make sure to select Microsoft Office/Outlook as the application you want to transfer the data for.
If you save everything (default), you will be forced to transfer everything. You cannot just select some of it.

Then, after re-install is complete and you have installed Office 2007, run Outlook once. Don't bother with setting up the accounts. Close Outlook.
Then, run the easy transfer again. This time, select "New Computer". Select the file that you had saved.

Now, run Outlook again.
All your email accounts, calendar entries, contacts, and emails will be there. You will only have to re-enter the passwords as easy transfer does not save the passwords.