How does Outlook store its messages? Going to format and need to backup info

[LordJezo]

I use Windows XP which seems to be the same as 2k so if you know the answer using 2k, it may be the same.

Anyone know what file/files/dir's I should back up in order to save all my messages and apointments and such so I wont lose it all when I format my HD?

Thanks.

 

[Mitzi]

You did not specify what version of Outlook you are using.


The following link explains how to import Outlook addresses from Outlook Express into Outlook. The process is more or less the same for exporting/importing Outlook Emails/Contacts and fax from one system to another.

How to import Outlook Addresses

 

[mithrandir2001]

The easy way to just to search for all of your *.pst files and back them up.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I use Win98 with Outlook 2000. What I do is back up all my info (messages, contacts, etc) to a .pst file. I then just back up that .pst file to a CD. After formatting, you can import that .pst file, and you're set.

 

[ndee]

There's an option under File -> Import/Export where you can export your mailbox.

That should help.

 

[jblondi]

if your using outlook express you can compress your mailboxes into a single file and save that. Then you can import that file after you format.

 

[LordJezo]

.pst files...


Thanks. I will do that tonight!

 

[bozo1]

You don't need to export or anything. Just find your .pst and pick it up and go. No need to do anything with it. When you setup Outlook on the new computer, just replace the .pst it creates with your old one.

 

[Yourself]

the path you're looking for goes something like this:

local settings/applications/microsoft/outlook

in there should be your outlook.pst file, copy that to a cd-r or a secondary HD and replace when you reformat.

Self