Comments for Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Comment from MrGroove on 2008-10-01

2008-10-01T16:43:56Z

I wrote an article about WHAT a PST file is and the Pro's and CON's for using them. Take a look here: http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/outlook/what-are-outlook-pst-files-and-why-use-them-or-not/

I think it helps answer a lot of questions about them!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Frank G. on 2008-09-29

2008-09-30T06:35:52Z

Hi Leo, I read all the above notes and I'm still baffled trying to recover my PST files. I bought an outside drive, "E" drive before I removed my original hard drive. I dragged and dropped everything on the "E" drive. Once I installed the new hard drive I again dropped and dragged all the files to the new "C"nternal drive. I'm trying to locate my folders I created under the personal folders in outlook. I had many folders, I tried to find with advanced search and no luck.
I'm even looking for my address book I had in the original folders contacts. I had developed at least 15 seperate folders under personal folders. Can you please help me to find all my important folders I created in Outlook. I have office XP outlook 2002. I would appreciate your help. Rgds
Frank G.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Scott Las on 2008-09-29

2008-09-29T17:15:52Z

Mr. Leo

We use PST files to Archive old mail
we store them on a network Drive.
I know Microsoft does not support pst files on a LAN

he is the problem:
for some strange reason the PST will lose connection to out look and when you click on it it says "inuse",. the only way to get it back it to reboot the PS.

IS there any fix for this??

Thank you
Scott Las

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Ravi on 2008-08-24

2008-08-24T11:03:18Z

i read your answer and i found pst path but i need default path or entry in windows pst path.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from sandra harn on 2008-08-17

2008-08-18T00:32:42Z

Cannot open e-mail says outlook.pst is being used. It says to close application. Thanks

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Joan on 2008-07-08

2008-07-08T22:04:57Z

I don't know if this will help anyone who still may be searching for his/her .pst file, but I spent several frustrated hours today trying to figure out where my archive.pst, mailbox.PAB (contacts) and Outlook.pst files went so I could back them up in anticipation of reinstalling Windows (don't ask...).

Went to My Computer...Documents and Settings...Application Data...Microsoft, then Outlook, as I have done so many times before, and found several Outlook files, but not the ones I cared about. Didn't recognize any of them, and the largest one I found was Outlook.NK2, which was all of 487 KB in size. Yet, when I'd go into Outlook, go to Personal Folders, right click on Properties and click on Advanced, it said that was indeed the path I wanted, and when I'd search the system, the cute little dog earnestly assured me I'd find the Outlook files I wanted right there.

Well, I guess I wasn't careful enough. Turns out I have TWO "Application Data" folders in my line-up -- one at the Desktop/Favorites/Local Settings level and another at the next lower level, and I was clicking on "Application Data" (followed by "Microsoft" and then "Outlook") one level too soon. Don't know WHY I have two different levels of App Data, Microsoft and Outlook going on, or what I should do about it (any thoughts, anyone?) but when I went back and clicked on LOCAL SETTINGS instead of APPLICATION DATA at that level, and THEN at the NEXT level clicked on Application Data followed by Microsoft followed by Outlook, THERE THEY WERE, my very chubby Outlook files, including Mr. Rotundo himself: my 1.46 GB Outlook.pst. Thanks to this terrific resource I've just found, I'm going to follow the advice found here on slimming him down via deletion & compression before we put one another out of business.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Charlie on 2008-07-07

2008-07-07T14:21:27Z

Thanks for the article, but can anyone help me as I still cannot locate my .pst file? I've run a full search of my local drive and all network/shared drives for "*.pst" and cannot find anything. I also ran a search on my exchange server, but I don't think it was storing them there. My "Data File Management" box is empty, and the properties window only shows: "Type: Folder containing Mail and Post Items, Location: Microsoft Office Outlook". No useful info is available in the advanced screen. I'm using Office 2003 SP2, and any ideas for places to look or different formats that it could be in is greatly appreciated.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Adam on 2008-07-06

2008-07-07T04:26:25Z

You saved me from spending another 2 hours looking for my pst file. It was exactly where you described about. Thanks for the screen shot and for being you. Yippeee!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Jackson on 2008-07-02

2008-07-02T11:49:55Z

Thanks for providing such nice information regarding the pst and its location.If your pst file is corrupted, damaged or lost and you are not able to repair it with the help of free Microsoft utility you can try a good pst recovery software.This software provides recovery from PST Recovery from folders, calendars, contacts, tasks, notes. It even provides recovery from password protected and encrypted pst file.It is easy to use and supports all the version of outlook. You can check its capability by downloading the free demo from the site
http://www.stellarinfo.com/outlook-pst-file-recovery.htm

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Horacio on 2008-07-01

2008-07-01T16:24:28Z

Hi Leo,
I copied my pst file from my office notebook to a USB memory. I then tried to open it at home from another notebook. I have no problem opening it, and reading from it, however I cannot see, nor find many of the mails I had in my office pst.any explanation?
thanks in advance
Horacio

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Harsha on 2008-06-12

2008-06-13T03:36:29Z

I found useful. I was also not able to see the Advance Tab the way Leo explained. But I was able to find my Outlook.pst through going File|Data File Management. Select the Personal Folders and click settings & you should be able to see the address of your pst (FileName)

My pst was in -
C:\Documents and Settings\Harsha\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst

When I went to this address I did not see any pst file, but I was able to see an outlook file which was called Office Data file. But fortunately that is the PST file as the size was big (typically pst are big)!!! Now I can understand why didn't I get any files when I search for *.pst file.

Thanks

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo on 2008-06-02

2008-06-03T02:06:41Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Use this article:
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_find_a_file_on_my_machine.html
and look for *.pst.

Leo

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFIRKctCMEe9B/8oqERAlgBAKCM2NmJhkdSDGyKw0UZzKEh9WqP5wCdGKww
xYyMkNUMCyG6Y0YP1YBIiSc=
=WSRd
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Toby Ketley on 2008-06-02

2008-06-02T10:38:50Z

I desperatly need to find this file, outlook seems to have deleted my profile with my entire calender for the year & my contacts!

I can't accecc my emails easily at the moment either. I need to find this file without being able to use outlook.

and help will be gratefully recieved.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from phil bellan on 2008-05-07

2008-05-07T15:41:00Z

I found my pst for backup files as you described using outlook. Now, how do I exactly transfer those files to external hard drive? Where exactly do I look up this pst file to make the transfer of data?

Thanks,
Phil

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from MW on 2008-05-02

2008-05-02T13:11:55Z

You can also find your PSTs by clicking on the DATAFILE MANAGEMENT link in your FILE pulldown menu. This will show Archives (if existing) as well as Personal Folders.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Michael on 2008-04-21

2008-04-21T20:11:58Z

Well it seems that this is not an uncommon issue. But I myself have seemed to fall its pray. Outlook 07 was woorking great with no issues 2 days ago. and today i try to open my e-mail and no .pst file anywhere. Ive uninstalled reinstalled and just about anything else other then a fresh wipe of the system. Where can i get a .pst file so that i can use outlook once again.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Franck on 2008-04-18

2008-04-18T20:29:59Z

Hi Leo,
I'm have a couple of problems with pst file. It doesn't exist on my machine... I have a fairly good understanding of PC's and do all my own tech work. I have restored other pst files for friends in the past after crashes etc,
My machine has not crashed and my outlook still works, I was showing someone where they are located... and my machine cannot find mine! this has me scratching my head... could this be a virus? has something changed the name of the file, but then would outlook still function?

looking forward to an answer

cheers
Franck

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Wally on 2008-04-14

2008-04-14T12:57:14Z

I was helping a friend recover after a virus. He had a number of large Outlook PST files/archives. Unfortunately we did not read any directions and just right clicked on the file and said "Open with" and picked Outlook. Outlook chugged and chugged finally starting after a number of minutes. In this end we did not see any of the contacts/emails which he expected. On another pst file we wised up and within Outlook did a import of the pst which brought up the emails from the second pst file. Problem is it seems the file pst evaporated in thin air when we did the "Open with". Are those emails hiding or have we lost his archived documents.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Joanne on 2008-03-19

2008-03-20T03:14:09Z

I have right clicked the properties tab but there is no advance setting

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Fotis on 2008-03-09

2008-03-10T06:45:43Z

I had to start over with my Win Vista PC from scratch after a major crash. I had Office 2003 Prof installed at the time and now wish to recover the .pst file from the backup however I cannot seem to find this .pst anywhere. Vista has a completely different directory tree and it makes no sense compared to straightforward XP. Any suggestions as to whether the .pst or its Vista equivalent might be ? Cheers
Fotis

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2008-03-07

2008-03-07T18:24:52Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

I'm not aware of a single location or easy way to do this.
Every time I've been through this I've hand-entered all the
information for each of my accounts.

Leo

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFH0YiQCMEe9B/8oqERAkOfAJ9Plrwix98Ghu6ZUUEFgDoxD6uHCACdEswU
GRZTdqYc2rLGwLU1855ZWgE=
=cHc9
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Robert on 2008-03-05

2008-03-06T00:58:00Z

HELP!!!!! I can find my PST file without any difficulty. I had to reinstall my entire system (but had a ghost backup on an external drive) - I have all my emails, etc. but what I don't have is the email account settings (pop3/smtp/logon/passwords) which means I have to redo all the settings for about 50 email addresses (yeh, I said 50) - where the heck does microsoft hide the file that has that information????

Rob

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Piyush on 2008-03-03

2008-03-04T05:31:58Z

Learn how to import the pst file in your microsoft outlook

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

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Joe on 2008-03-03

2008-03-04T00:08:35Z

I'm trying to backup my pst's in xp to an external drive. Have found them using your process noted above but when I go to copy them, I get this message:
Cannot copy Outlook: The process cannot access the file because another process has locked a portion of the file.
Any suggestions?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from overscore_-_ on 2008-02-19

2008-02-20T00:51:08Z

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

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from bron on 2008-02-15

2008-02-15T10:38:45Z

Hi Leo

I'm DESPERATE!!! I've searched everywhere and cannot find my the right outlook files - only those up to 2003!! not much use. I've searched for *.pst files, schedule files, calendar files, you name it, but I can only find stuff up till 2003. When I open Outlook a dialogue box tells me that Outlook could not open the file containng the folders used to send and receive email messages, create appointments, and opent he address book, then it asks me to locate it. HELP and it isn't on my back up drive either. what is going on? Outlook worked perfectly last friday night when I logged out then hey presto it doesn't work when I log in the next morning. I can't even get into OUtlook without creating a completely new set of (empty) personal folders and as this is business email it is no use at all. I've repaired, reinstalled and restored to a set point of 26 JANUARY still to no avail. what else can I do? Please Please can you help??? bye bron

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Jenn on 2008-01-28

2008-01-28T13:33:36Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from James N on 2008-01-26

2008-01-26T21:11:32Z

After many attempts to salvage my outlook email pst, I found your site.
Today, I followed your tutorial to load Outlook 2007, configure it with my information, but not to download any mail. Well, that didn't work. I had email flowing as soon as I clicked finish. I guess that means it was configured right.
I have located my old Outlook 2007 pst, and it is on my hard drive, read only unselected. There are four very small files, 1kb, 2kb called OBI, DAT, KFL, and another OBI which looks like a copy.
Then there are two other files, that resemble a piece of lined paper, one containing my MS Office Outlook Personal folder, and the other one containing an archive of the MS Office Personal folder. Properties show that they open with unknown application.
My new application of Outlook 2007 has its PST file in C\Docs and Settings\user\application data\MS\Outlook\ and contains three files, outcmd, 1kb, Outlook XML 4kb, and Outlook.srs 3kb.
What do I do to get my address book and saved emails into the new Outlook application?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from janet west on 2008-01-22

2008-01-22T23:18:42Z

MS outlook is corrupted but I want to save the mail folder before I re-install Outlook how do I do this as your method requires I open outlook to save a back up.The post files still exist.

Cheers

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Underscore_ on 2008-01-22

2008-01-22T18:21:56Z

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 ;-)

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from David James on 2008-01-21

2008-01-22T02:50:09Z

I read the article and I still can't find my .pst file. If I search for *.pst nothing comes up. I got the path from within Outlook, but the third step in the path doesn't exist (Local Settings). I'm on Windows 2000, running Outlook 2003. I know that .pst file must be somewhere, because I've got a bunch of emails that show up whenever I open Outlook. So where the heck is it and how do I find it?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Graham Pickering on 2008-01-20

2008-01-20T12:54:51Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2008-01-07

2008-01-07T19:01:48Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

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

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFHgncVCMEe9B/8oqERAroXAJ0YOfy3P6sImuwY+095+xpYLqbGcACfdEv2
e5/+jvM9jhvp3B8cqE8J8qg=
=3K3H
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Randy DeBauch on 2008-01-04

2008-01-05T02:16:35Z

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

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Frank on 2007-12-15

2007-12-15T16:09:15Z

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??

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Yeuk Yee on 2007-12-03

2007-12-03T11:42:40Z

Hi, Leo
it's about transfering *pst files.
I did as you explained and I have the old .pst back in my hard disk.
However I still can't display the content;
I renamed my first .pst file as 1outlook.pst and the old one is now outlook.pst in the new disk but no results.
Any reason?
Thanks
Yeuk Yee

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Bruce Nelson on 2007-11-27

2007-11-28T02:39:23Z

I was referred to this page when I typed a question asking for the location of the WinME OE address book. Using the program to find the file does not work if the program cannot be run. In my case, I am trying to save my father's files, before reinstalling his OS (winME). I am trying to find the OE address book.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Alan on 2007-11-14

2007-11-14T16:23:32Z

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

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Eric on 2007-10-07

2007-10-07T23:10:40Z

deleted outlook1pst file. outlook is now running on outlook.pst. I had several folder taps with many e-mails in the "all mail folders" under personal folders that arent there on the outlook.pst file. How can I recover and reset outlook to run on the 1.pst HELP!!!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Wendy on 2007-09-21

2007-09-21T17:53:56Z

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.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Rein on 2007-09-21

2007-09-21T17:34:55Z

Hi Leo. Can 2003 pst files be read/converted to XP pst files? I have a couple years of messages and contacts stored. Help.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Deborah on 2007-09-21

2007-09-21T10:57:00Z

Two problems I loaded Nod32 antivirus on my Ibm and then after that I could not open outlook (so I cant follow above path to find pst files). So I unistalled Nod32 and still cannot open outlook. Advice?
Also if I cant open outlook 2003 how can I navigate to the pst files to back them up? or copy them. The only files I found were C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook and they were archive and outlook but were Office data files? can you help please

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Wendy Banks on 2007-09-15

2007-09-15T22:55:19Z

I have a new computer but I put my old HD in (as 2nd) so I could get the info from it. No access problem to data; but can't get email stuff. When I try to import it, the message is "The d:/// Outlook.pst is not compatible with this version of the Personal Folders information service. Contact your administrator." I've got XP Media edition (2002) on new HD, and either 2002 or 2003 on the old one. How can I get the messages and folders?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Edith on 2007-08-19

2007-08-20T03:12:56Z

Leo, you rock! You provided clarity and confidence as I transition from a 9-yr-old PC to a new desktop with Vista. I haven't actually copied my Outlook contacts onto the new PC to see the helpful extent of your guidance, but already have learned so much about .pst folders from your generous knowledge base. Thank you much!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Bruce on 2007-07-29

2007-07-30T01:27:45Z

By accident I lost my outlook data on my Dell pda. I restored a backup file that was 2 years old. Then, to make matters worse, I synced my pc with the OLD data. I back up my hard drive daily (however I did not back up after the screwup). Is there a way to restore my outlook data from my daily backup? When I look at my backup drive, all I see is the 2 year old file.
All my contacts and calendar appointments are outdated.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Frank on 2007-06-03

2007-06-04T04:30:08Z

Leo, all of a sudden my Outlook can't find my pst file. It's named outlook1.pst but it can't be found via a MS search, using Outlook itself (when I don't specify the file location, it closes down), or with Active Undeleter searching for it. Any idea where it might have gone or what I can do?

Thanks,
Frank

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Dan on 2007-05-18

2007-05-18T22:42:27Z

Thanks Leo, you're a star, it worked a treat!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from joe on 2007-04-02

2007-04-02T16:06:48Z

Not bad, but if you're running Outlook 2000, Steven S on 23/01/07 provides a much more useful way.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from R Glass on 2007-02-22

2007-02-23T02:37:30Z

Unbelievable!! Extremely helpful -- thanks

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Steven S on 2007-01-23

2007-01-23T18:26:15Z

Leo,

I found what appears to be an easier way to locate the place where Outlook stores e-mail files. In Outlook 2003 under File, click on Data File Management. It takes you to a screen that shows the path of all connected e-mail folders. Also, the default location for Outlook to store its email is: Drive:\Document and Settings\User(your login name)\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Shamim Cortazzi on 2007-01-05

2007-01-06T02:14:42Z

Thanks for the advice - I thought my outlook was totally messed up but following the advice listed here it is back to normal.
Thanks again!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from gary47 on 2006-12-22

2006-12-22T22:41:36Z

Anyone have a theory why MicroSlop puts the pst files in a hidden folder by default? Logically, Outlook files are user data, and should be in something like "My Email" under "My Documents"

I wonder how many people have lost all their Outlook data when their xcopy or backup commands didn't pick up the pst file in the hidden folder.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from RajKumar on 2006-11-28

2006-11-28T10:19:33Z

Is there any possibility to navigate the system harddisk. or in other words is there any means by which we can transfer the attachments from the outlook folders to the Sytem drive folders.

Sincerely
RajKumar

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Larry Goodyear on 2006-11-10

2006-11-10T23:17:55Z

My Outlook 2003 email is not being sent. It appears in the sent folder and Norton scans it but it is not getting to the ISP. I tested the webmail, provinght eISP is not at fault. Also removed the Norton Anti virus protection but still the email will not send. no error messages, it appears to have sent but wont go.?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Jussi on 2006-10-08

2006-10-08T09:03:28Z

Hi Leo,
One day I came home and all my emails had disappeared from my outlook. Using the route explained by Steve in his email, I have been able to locate two large files ("archive" and "outlook") which I suspect could be the emails. The funny thing is that no file type is marked. I suspect it is .pst but "properties" does not show any file type. I have not been able to recover the emails either through outlook or scanpst.exe (which finds no errors). I am running several users on the PC and no other profile lost their emails. Any ideas??
Brg,
Jussi in Shanghai

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Sandra McInnes on 2006-09-27

2006-09-27T14:20:01Z

My MS outlook was not wokring for some strange reason so I went into "help" "detect & Repair" I selected both options and it totally wiped out my required me to set up a new mail account etc...needless to say all my mail was gone and I am not sure if this is permanent.. I am panicking!! What can I do, is it gone forever or was a back up created somewhere??? Can it be retrieved somehow??
I did a search on both drives for the outlook.pst file and found nothing???

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Joe on 2006-07-25

2006-07-25T17:00:15Z

I used your steps to find .pst files, however, when I click on my inbox, right click properties, there is no advanced tab to discover the location! Help!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Cam on 2006-07-22

2006-07-23T06:48:22Z

Hi
I tried to change the location of my personal folder and now i cannot access the any files in my outlook folder at all.
When i start outlook it tells me access is denied, i do not have permission or the file is in use and outlook closes immediatly.
I cannot copy any files in the folder either, once again it says access is denied.
The folder now has its name 'Outlook' in green text ??
I cannot delete or change any attributes of any files in the directory. :(
Can anybody help PLEASE !

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Amy on 2006-06-29

2006-06-29T08:50:22Z

This little program is great! I downloaded, installed and ran a search for programs using Outlook, closed them, and was able to copy the pst file immediately! Thank you!!!!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Scott Vieth on 2006-06-08

2006-06-08T14:34:15Z

If your PST file is showing an "Access Denied" message, make sure that the read-only attribute of the file is turned off by right-clicking on the file in Explorer and then selecting Properties.

This has caused me great confusion before.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo on 2006-04-18

2006-04-18T17:05:17Z

You have confused me ... you can't find the pst, and yet you ran the pst through scanpst? Clearly you did find it. What am I missing?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Dave Lees on 2006-04-18

2006-04-18T11:06:56Z

PST FILE SEARCH

Hi Leo
Hope you can help.
The problem is that Office 2000 in XP is working fine but when *.pst is entered in search cannot find the file.

I have run the file
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\outlook.pst
Through SCANPST four times and it has found no problems.

I have completed the following instructions and opened the Outlook file but still no sign of the allusive PST file.
1. Double-click the 'My Computer' icon on your Desktop.
At this point, the 'My Computer' explorer window opens. Click the 'Tools' menu and select 'Folder Options...'. Select the 'View' tab and select the 'Show hidden files and folders' option in the 'Hidden files and folders' section.

Dave

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo on 2006-04-15

2006-04-15T16:41:41Z

Apparently outlook is still runing, even though it's not visible. Check usign task manger, or process explorer, for the "outlook.exe" process. First thing to try would be to fire up outlook, and then File->Exit and see if all instances go away.

If outlook isn't listed, you might still use process explorer to see who has the file open: http://ask-leo.com/how_can_i_find_out_who_is_using_a_file_in_use.html

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Christian on 2006-04-15

2006-04-15T16:00:17Z

I also can't backup my .pst file. It tells me access denied, the file is in use by another process. It tells me this even if Outlook isn't running and I've just fired my computer up.

I'm trying, simply, to copy my .pst file and paste it into a backup folder on an external hard drive.

I should know by now to strap on a helmet before I do something like this w/ microsoft. It saves the pain from banging my head into the desk.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Stephanie on 2006-04-12

2006-04-12T18:45:08Z

One of the personal folders got removed while working in "data file management". Unfortunately, it was the one that had the most recent information in it. Is there a way to retrieve that folder.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo on 2006-04-09

2006-04-10T01:25:20Z

I'm guessing there's a corrupt sector on your hard disk. Even though Outlook can open the file, it may not stumble into that bad sector until it tries to actually access whatever's in it. A copy of the entire file, of course, would.

A CRC check error should allow you the option to ignore and continue. So I'd at least backup a (possibly corrupt) copy of the PST. Better that than nothing.

The next approach I might take is to, in Outlook, create a new PST on the backup drive (File, New, Outlook Data File...) and then drag/drop items from your old PST to the new one. (Hold shift down when you drop to copy instead of move items).

I don't understand the "access denied" message. Are you sure you have rights to write to the disk you're copying the file to? Make sure that outlook's not running when you copy the file too, Outlook locks it so that other applications, including the copy program, can't read it while Outlook works on it.

Good luck!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Chris - have already lost my mind! on 2006-04-09

2006-04-10T01:06:45Z

Hello everyone. I am so completely upset! I will try to make it short - I had lost all my data (so I thought) - not sure how/why. A friend loaded another version of windows on my system. Then, I talked to someone that knew what they were doing, and I managed to get my data back (believe by changing permissions or something like that). Now I am in the process of backing up all of my data so I can completely wipe out this system and start over (the system is a complete mess). But, I cannot get my .pst files backed up/copied. I have tried everything, including what is already posted here. The last thing I tried was to copy the file to this iomega REV drive I just got. When I try that, I get an error message of "cyclic redundancy check", and then it stops copying. I am so lost as to what to do. I desperately need my .pst files. When I tried to copy if over to my d drive, I got the error message of "access denied". I know the file is o.k. because I pull it up through Outlook just fine. I would truly appreciate any help anyone can offer. Thank you!!!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Rajesh on 2006-03-21

2006-03-21T14:36:56Z

Now suppose that i want my application to get access to all pst files for some purpose, how should i do it? let me put it more clearly. is there any script to get the path of pst folders( i may have anywhere on my sys) and use them in my program?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Barb on 2006-03-16

2006-03-16T13:56:28Z

Thank you Leo,Thank you!!!! This has been a great help to me. I just started using Outlook 2003 for the 1st time & it's a bit of a learning curve to say the least.
Found my answer in one click to this page, Awesome!

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo on 2006-02-25

2006-02-26T00:06:15Z

It's very simple. You'll need to copy them to the hard disk somewhere (Outlook won't open them directly from a CD), but you can then do a "File->Open->Outlook Data File" and simply take a look a the contents of each PST.

PST's are not tied to the profile.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Greg on 2006-02-25

2006-02-25T21:35:11Z

I am not having any problem locating my .pst files.
However, my wife, myself and my business email all share the same Email program (Outlook 2002)using multiple profiles. This is exceptionally tricky due to the fact that I have three .pst files which I did
archive to a CD for safe keeping :-)
Now, the question is, which .pst file is which?
And do I need install them according to the individual profile?
My wife is ready to kill me or worse, From now on I am relying on GMail and Outlook express solely, I dont need all of the Bells and whistles associated with Outlook 2002. My wife on the other hand runs a business and uses her personal email for her business. Needless to say she is a little more than mad.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Steve on 2006-02-23

2006-02-23T17:13:04Z

I think you can find pst files with a file search. Click on the Start menu, then click Search, then click "For Files or Folders". In the field named "All or part of the file name" enter "*.pst", then click on the Search button. This found the pst files on my computer.

There is a further issue in that the default location for these files is in a folder that is typically hidden by the OS, so you may have difficulty navigating to the files. The default location (Windows XP, Outlook 2002) is as follows:

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

where Username is your username on this computer. If you try to navigate to this folder, typically you will not find it as it is hidden.

To alleviate this, open My Computer, click on the Tools menu and select Folder Options. In the resulting window, click on the View tab. Click on the button labeled Show hidden files and folders so that it is selected. Also, uncheck the box labeled Hide protected operating system files. Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen, then click on the Apply to All Folders button near the top. Now you should be able to navigate to the default path listed above.

I hope this helps someone...

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Dick Vinal on 2006-02-21

2006-02-22T02:01:41Z

Leo,

Still have not been able to retreive my PST folders.

Dick Vinal

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Dave Briand on 2006-02-20

2006-02-20T19:15:57Z

For those who dont have the advanced tab, try this..

- click on the AutoArchive tab in the Inbox properties form
- select "Archive this folder using these setttings"
- select "Move Old Items to:"
- copy the string in the textbox to a browser and you should be taken to a pst, i think your archive settings will determine how relevant that pst file is though...

hope it helps, and i hope its not wrong

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from prakash on 2006-02-19

2006-02-20T07:05:09Z

damm cool site

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Dick Vinal on 2006-02-09

2006-02-10T03:43:54Z

I recently had my PC worked on as the registry was corrupt. All files and data were copied off my drive before the drive was erased and Windows XP reloaded. I have been able to retrieve most of my data with the exception of all my Outlook Express Personal Folders. I followed your example, but was not successful. Any hints or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Leo on 2006-02-08

2006-02-08T19:14:38Z

Backup the PST by simply copying the PST file somewhere. And I'm not aware of any programs other than Outlook that can read a PST.

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from Abdulrazzak J. Hummadi on 2006-02-08

2006-02-08T14:19:01Z

The article is very helpful for me. Thanks Leo. Could you explain how to backup the .pst and how to read it without Outlook?

]]>

A comment on: Where is my Outlook "PST" file located?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.