Outlook problem

[memnoc]

So I recently built a new computer and installed a fresh version of windows on a new hard drive. I plan on using my old hard drive (with my previous install of windows) as a media drive and was going to just transfer whatever files I needed before reformatting it. Well, I can't find my .pst file from Outlook to get all my old messages etc. I tried booting into the old version of Windows but it gets to the loading screen and reboots (I guess it doesn't like all the new hardware at once). Is there either:

A. A way to get my old Outlook messages even though I can't find the .pst file? I already tried search

B. Get into Windows on my old hard drive even though virtually all the hardware is new (ie, no correct drivers are installed).

Thanks

 

[DBSX]

Unless you exported your .pst file elsewhere, it should be in the following folder: C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\backup.pst

I am not sure if you would be able to access this folder as a different user, I've never tried. usually I back up my .pst file to a network drive before reinstalling (too many times have I lost it in the past!)

\Dan

 

[dawks]

Originally posted by: memnoc
So I recently built a new computer and installed a fresh version of windows on a new hard drive. I plan on using my old hard drive (with my previous install of windows) as a media drive and was going to just transfer whatever files I needed before reformatting it. Well, I can't find my .pst file from Outlook to get all my old messages etc. I tried booting into the old version of Windows but it gets to the loading screen and reboots (I guess it doesn't like all the new hardware at once). Is there either:

A. A way to get my old Outlook messages even though I can't find the .pst file? I already tried search

B. Get into Windows on my old hard drive even though virtually all the hardware is new (ie, no correct drivers are installed).

Thanks

Pop the old HD in the updated system as a slave. Boot your newly installed OS normally, and navigate to the folder DBSX mentioned. The local settings folder is probably hidden, so you'll need to set explorer to display hidden files/folders.

As for accessing the file as a different user, it shouldnt be a problem, as you can take ownership of it. Though that might be an issue if your using WinXP Home since you cannot change permissions like that with XP Home. So if you cannot access the folder, and its a permissions issue, you'll probably need to put the outlook HD in an XP Pro machine and give the Everyone account full control.