Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

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I have a solution to my problem and it looks like the same one as Rein. I went to Microsoft online and found that Outlook 2003 saves pst files differently than earlier versions so go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/outlook/HA011190371033.aspx for the long instructions.

The default path for Outlook PST data file is different for different operating system. A list of them is located at http://www.datanumen.com/aor/outlook-pst.htm

The answer was simple and straightforward and helped me import my 2.5 Gig outlook file to a new VISTA machine. DO THEY HAVE ANY "REAL" SOFTWARE ENGINEERS AT MICROSOFT?? DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THEIR PIECEMEAL APPROACH TO SOFTWARE??

I have a question about doing a full system back up. When I do this does the pst folder also get copied automatically?
Or do I have to manually save it?
Thanks

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If your backup is configured to truly be a full backup, it
then backs up all files, including the Outlook PST. If
you're not sure, DOUBLE CHECK your backup.

Leo

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I run the same backup programme on my desktop and laptop and recently noticed that for the same Outlook 2003 contact info stored on each computer the compressed backup file size varied substantially indicating that one or other of the .pst file paths was wrong or duplicated. I had just assumed that the program would backup the correct files once only but it seems that whatever backup program you buy it is best to specify the path to the required backup file category oneself. This is even more likely to be true of "My Documents" and "Desk Top Setings". I found the pst file path the most difficult one to track down and am very grateful for Leo's clear tutorial on the subject.

ok guys i have spent about 10 minutes after reading this to find the answer
first open windows explorer next Click on Organize -> Layout then choose menu bar, next in the new menu bar at top click view > folder options when the new window opens click show hidden files. ok now close all windows,
now the path

c:/users/what_ever_the_user_name_is/appdata/local/microsoft/outlook
enjoy ;-)

Outlook 2003 has its own method of backing up .pst files -- I prefer the seek/find & copy/paste, because I like to dig around in computer files. For others who don't or like to save time, just open Outlook and go to File then Import and Export. A wizard will guide you thru the whole process.

PST = Personal Storage Table. The PST file is a database containing your folders, messages and hierarchy info.

Learn how to import the pst file in your microsoft outlook

http://www.repair-outlook-pst.com/import-pst-file-microsoft-outlook.php

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