Backup up Outlook Data

[Aidoscuz]

I'm going to format a computer soon and I need to backup the all the data from Outlook 2003. I recently formatted another computer and just copied the Outlook.pst, Archive.pst and Extend.dat files from the data files directory, but when I opened up outlook, some things like signatures and the history of typed email addresses were missing. Is there any way of backing up Outlook that keeps absolutely everything?

Thanks

 

[swinnie]

In Outlook click File > Import and Export > Export to File

And this creates a new PST file that you can specify somewhere to save it, i.e backup drive.

Then when you reinstall Outlook on new installation click File > Import and Export and click Import the file type you chose (best option PST).

 

[Simian]

Have a look on Microsofts Downloads/updates for Outlook... I've got a Backup program that backs up your outlook settings and inbox on a regular basis!... very handy!

 

[Paul11]

tools, options, and find your store folder

go to your store folder and copy and paste the contents to another folder as your back up

 

[Skeeter]

I'm going to format a computer soon and I need to backup the all the data from Outlook 2003. I recently formatted another computer and just copied the Outlook.pst, Archive.pst and Extend.dat files from the data files directory, but when I opened up outlook, some things like signatures and the history of typed email addresses were missing. Is there any way of backing up Outlook that keeps absolutely everything?

Thanks

The PST files are where all your emaisl etc are stored. They are the most important thing.

As for your 'typed' emails, I assume you mean when you start to type someones name and get a list of emails containing that name, and then can just select them. These are stored elsewhere in .NIK files (Outlook 2000/XP) and .NK2 files (Outlook 2003/2007). One sec, ill check for you....

The NK2 files in Windows XP and Office 2003 are in:
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

And are named according to the profile. so if your profile is called 'Personal Email' then the NK2 is called 'Personal Email.NK2'. This is a hidden folder so you may need to turn on hidden folders to find them. Google the location on a different version of Office or Windows

As for signatures, Im afraid Im not aware or any way to save things like this, as I belive they are setup allong with things like rules, which are not specific to the client. Outlook is designed primaraly to work with an Exchange server, and keep everything there. If there isnt an exchange server, then your Outlook client settings are stored someplace within the client. This means they are lost when you change or reinstal a client (like folder settings or something in XP). If you find a way, let me know.

Hope this helps