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Comment from Karen on 2009-11-13

2009-11-13T21:38:03Z

I have Windows 7 beta and a Verizon smart phone that used to sync with two computers. Could you give directions for that as I cannot find the Outlook files as given in this email.

I do not use it for email. I want to find the files for contacts, tasks and calendar.

Are they all on PST files?

Thanks!

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Comment from Bob on 2009-11-08

2009-11-08T17:42:49Z

I used to work with lookout to search thru my uncountable mails. But recently it became pretty slow. I tried Looken, which was mentioned above. For now I could say: fast and easy. I'll see how it will behave in the long run. For those with huge pst-files and email archives I recommend this little tool www.lookeen.net

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Comment from Paul Steinberg on 2009-11-04

2009-11-04T15:07:56Z

We have a program that automatically finds your Outlook Contacts file and exports the contacts to a Microsoft Accesss database with one click. This is link to page with download of trial copy.http://www.smallbsystems.com/sbs/OutlookUtility.htm

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Comment from Lucius on 2009-11-02

2009-11-02T09:25:12Z

It is not very easy to search in huge PST-Files, and few search tools can do so, actually I only know one which is able to search PST-Files, it is called lookeen... are there others?

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Comment from Bernie on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T17:28:41Z

How do I import my outlook archive to be able to read the emails I archived? The file is labeled "archive" and I know where it is. I'm not successful in importing back.

Thank you

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Comment from diana on 2009-10-18

2009-10-18T22:23:42Z

where is my outlook 2007 pst file located on windows vista?

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Comment from Debra on 2009-10-15

2009-10-15T18:47:23Z

If outlook will not open because it says the .pst is corrupt, then how do you find it? I have tried EVRYTHING. I can't see the local settings file.

Try this approach instead: How do I find a file on my machine?

16-Oct-2009

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Comment from cheema on 2009-10-14

2009-10-14T22:14:12Z

messaging interface has returned an unknown error" I m getting whenever I click Reply all tab.

Any solutions...anyone

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Comment from wela on 2009-10-12

2009-10-12T21:45:51Z

in our office, how can i erase the PST of my mails in the outlook so that the administrator could not read them?

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Comment from P. J. on 2009-10-11

2009-10-12T05:23:32Z

Copy and move HIDDEN ".pst" files in Outlook 2007.

Leo:

Great article and critical to save and transfer computer e-mail files. Only Microsoft would make Outlook 2007 ".pst" files HIDDEN. Please update the above article for Outlook 2007 based on the 2006 vintage RECENT COMMENTS.

An updated article would reduce my 8-hour challenge to a simple 10-minute task for future readers. Writers in the 2006 RECENT COMMENTS disclose the required procedure. Windows Explorer does NOT find hidden ".pst" files.

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Comment from Konker on 2009-08-15

2009-08-15T08:00:43Z

There is no advanced pushbutton on the popup box when you right click on inbox/properties

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Comment from Pierre on 2009-07-31

2009-07-31T12:01:33Z

They wo do not find, try a bit harder... It's a Personal Computer no Perseverance Competition :)

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Comment from Mukesh on 2009-07-30

2009-07-30T12:28:27Z

how to find out the my not showing mails when iam reinstall the pc not showing before 2 months mails
help me

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Comment from rajan on 2009-07-23

2009-07-24T05:26:13Z

Where is my Outlook "PST" file located in LINUX (FEDORA,SUSE,REDHAT) AND APPLE MACINTOSH

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Comment from Daniel on 2009-07-12

2009-07-12T22:44:52Z

My version of windows crashed, so i installed a new version. I can find my contacts, but i can't find the emails from the old version. I know that they're there, but i can't locate them.

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Comment from Charles on 2009-07-12

2009-07-12T18:04:23Z

My computer caught a virus so I purchased a new hard drive and now use it as my Main drive, and the infected (and cleaned) original as the Slave drive. I installed MS Office 2002 (Windows XP) onto the Main Drive and it created a new Outlook file. I'm cannot locate the original .pst file on the Slave drive. Did I lose it when I reinstalled MS Office onto the Main drive?

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Comment from craig on 2009-06-25

2009-06-26T01:14:11Z

I have encountered an error and cannot open Outlook and need to reinstall. I want to copy off my pst file so I can reimport after reinstall. Have looked all over and can't find. Is there a standard install path for such (running vista)

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Comment from Karen on 2009-06-13

2009-06-13T16:10:49Z

I did a system backup and then had to reinstall the computer to the original factory install...I have done a recovery, all my documents are there etc.. but I cannot get the archive.pst for Outlook 7 to come up. I get an error message that it is not a personal data file but it is a pst. file. Any help????

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Comment from aj on 2009-06-10

2009-06-10T20:25:55Z

So...I know my path, but now how do I ACCESS the file in order to read my auto-archived emails? (Where do I enter the "path" address so that I can go there? Also, what do I use to OPEN a pst file. My PC (Windows Vista) doesn't know.

PST files are opened by Outlook. In Outlook, in the file menu is an "Open Datafile" item.

- Leo
11-Jun-2009

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Comment from Peter on 2009-06-03

2009-06-04T06:19:08Z

How do i search for the .pst file in windows vista?

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Comment from TOKitt on 2009-05-29

2009-05-30T03:24:51Z

I was trying to save my husband's pst file and stupidly used "Open with" and the "ALWAYS USE" box was also checked. When I try to open the file with Outlook, it will not recognize the file. Now I am unable to open the file to save all his email addresses! Is there help?

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Comment from Kevin Kehoe on 2009-05-25

2009-05-25T23:45:19Z

When I open up "Inbox Properties", I have no "Advanced" box to click on. I am running MS Office Outlook 2003/SP3. What am I missing?

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Comment from Mohammad Asif on 2009-05-22

2009-05-23T06:33:45Z

how can i take and restore backup of address book in MS outlook 2003. (Please Tell me in deffirent-2 Ways)
Thanks sir!!

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Comment from gordon on 2009-05-21

2009-05-22T02:29:40Z

I have backup all of my files under program in the external hard drive. I need to import my Outlook (.pst) into another laptop computer. I went to the steps in File>ImportExport>Wizard>Next>Next and it's lost
Please help
Also there are parts of Outlook calender missing when i ImportExport last year, like 2005, 2002, etcc... I have all of my hard drives from many laptops (Sony) Can you help, I'm trying to copy everything back into one drive
I am in the San Francisco bay, Oakland, next to SF, is there someone wsho knows how to help???Referral??? I try to talk to Greek Square and no help, the Squares are lost, they only do what I do.... and I pay them???

If you're just trying to take a PST from one machine to another, don't use the import wizard. Just copy the pst to the other machine, and use File->Open Datafile in Outlook to get at the contents.

- Leo
22-May-2009

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Comment from Fred on 2009-05-19

2009-05-19T12:57:07Z

I need to access a .PST file using DOS. An unusual request maybe. To explain, i have a Dell laptop which is dual booted XP Pro and Vista Ultimate 32bit. the Vista partition has been rendered useless by a recent windows Update that i simply cannot get round. The XP partition works great and so i am wondering if i can rescue my .PST file from outlook on the Vista partition from DOS in XP?
i too am having a simular problem. i also need to transfer from a dead vista home prem partion to the working xp pro. i have located the file ... but how do i merge it with the current file or how can i make outlook read it

I know of no way to use DOS, or even a Windows Command Prompt to do this. However if you can access the disk from XP, you can install Outlook in XP and open the PST that way.

- Leo
19-May-2009

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Comment from Luis on 2009-05-13

2009-05-13T20:55:14Z

Nice article. Another issue is the backup of this file, and with the huge size of these files one solution is bakup the PST files incrementally like EdgeSafe http://www.datamills.com mainly for organizations

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Comment from Jeff on 2009-05-08

2009-05-09T03:40:58Z

In Outlook 2003 in XP for me, there is no local setting file. There is the Mailbox, then the Inbox under that. The advanced option shows up for Mailbox, but does not display a file as yours does - very different.

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Comment from Jack Storlie on 2009-04-16

2009-04-16T16:23:55Z

Subject: Windows-xp-Home: Finding Outlook 2003 Contacts and Mail folders
This Toshiba laptop using Windows XP was ruined with water on the keyboard. I removed the Hard Drive and I am able to see the hard drive contents on my desktop using my USB HD converter box. My friend did not back up her Outlook 2003 Contacts and Mail Folders. I would
like to be able to find the folders wherever they are in the directory. I have done many searches using Microsoft Outlook 2003, *.pst, Contacts,
Personal Folders, etc. as well as scroll through the entire directory for some reference to those folders.
I have done many backups of these folders on other systems, but have never looked for them in the Windows directory.
Any help will be appreciated.
Jack

Search your entire machine for ".pst" files. How do I find a file on my computer in Windows XP?

- Leo
17-Apr-2009

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Comment from John Anderson on 2009-04-13

2009-04-14T02:55:41Z

Did not work. I have saved the *pst files before reinstalling my operating system. Now I need to find out where to put it. I am using Office 2000 in Win XP

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Comment from Sunny on 2009-04-03

2009-04-03T12:42:48Z

It is only on my mail tab that I see "personal folders" or that I even have a tree view of. What about my calendar and contacts? Those are the things that I most need to back up. How do I find the files for those things?

I am using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007.

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Comment from CD on 2009-03-28

2009-03-28T17:55:36Z

Im trying to copy my pst files from my laptop to my external hard drive 250G and it will not allow it. the fine print that came with the external hard drive said, an individual file size can't exceed 4gigs. my pst folders are 6-8gigs. please help.

You need to convert the external drive to NTFS format. FAT32 has a maximum file size of 4 gig. Read this article: How do I convert to NTFS?

- Leo
29-Mar-2009

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Comment from Nadia on 2009-03-27

2009-03-28T00:44:27Z

I accidentaly deleted all the contact/emails, etc from my new bbry. I have the contacts saved on disc, but it saved in a .pst format. Do I have to have OUtlook to open that file? HELP!!!!

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Comment from Nick Fisk on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T15:05:38Z

Hi, I loaded Microsoft 2003 suite onto my wife's computer (she already had a working copy of Outlook)but I didn't backup her outlook.pst file. It has wiped out all her folders and I can't locate the previous file. I have retrieved her contact folder though. Is there any way I can restore the old folders ? My service provider say they haven't got copies on their server.

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Comment from jackie vohs on 2009-03-06

2009-03-06T21:14:15Z

I want to transfer my address book to my lap top. I have gone to outlook and dont see these PTS files you are talking about. How do I tranfer?

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Comment from Nick Stephens on 2009-02-26

2009-02-26T12:34:51Z

Hi,

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks Nick.

Depends on what you mean by "access". If you mean locate and copy it, then in a Windows command prompt do a "DIR /S*.pst" from the root, and you'll find it. CD to that folder and copy it where you like. If you want to access the contents, then I have no real solution for you. It's mean to be opened by Outlook.

- Leo
26-Feb-2009

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Comment from Jude Laryea on 2009-02-02

2009-02-02T12:18:43Z

how do i transfer my microsoft outlook information from one computer to another?

Just copy the PST file. (You'll need to re-enter account information by hand.)

- Leo
06-Feb-2009

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Comment from lee on 2009-01-29

2009-01-29T16:52:03Z

The trouble these folks are probably having is that default Windows setting are hiding these files, the folders and the root - my pst files can be found first under 'Local Settings.'

In the explorer window, go to 'Tools' and select 'Folder Options...'
In the box that pops up, go to the 'View' tab, and in the Advanced Settings area click the radio button (the little circle) next to 'Show hidden files and folders'

If it's already checked, check 'hide the folders' and then recheck 'show hidden files...' then exit explorer and reopen explorer and see if the local setting folder has appeared.

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Comment from John Nordmann on 2009-01-26

2009-01-26T18:53:25Z

To change the location of the outlook.pst file you must have a password. I did not setup a password for Outlook. How can I get into this to change the location? Thanks

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Comment from Gord on 2009-01-04

2009-01-04T16:34:46Z

Daniel Petri has a good article on repairing pst files using scanpst.exe, my pst file gets corrupted from time to time

If your PST gets corrupted from time to time, you really need to look into why and solve that. There's no need for it to ever happen.

- Leo
05-Jan-2009

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Comment from Michael on 2009-01-03

2009-01-03T23:35:52Z

I have recently attempted to recover my email, contacts and address book in outlook 2003 from backed up files after a hard disc crash. I can get my emails OK but I cannot understand how to recover my address boook and calendar. I understand that calender and address book are all in the pst file with my emails. Any help would be appreciated.

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Comment from pat on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T20:58:05Z

Leo, your advice above was great, I just wished I understood the very first part: how in blazes do I find the tree folder???? I am transferring over Outlook Express from my old desktop to my new laptop. I have copied two folders over, I go to open them, I get error messages. I seem to have copied over the inner folders of OE, but not my personal stuff. The only OE folder under the OE folder that I can open is not called pst, it is msimn. I know it copies to my usb device, I can open it fine until I place it on the new laptop. Then I get error msg. I would love to get my stuff to the new place, why does Bill make it so hard?? Please help, I feel so close

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Comment from Siphiwe on 2008-12-02

2008-12-02T12:23:55Z

how do u back up pst files

Exit Outlook and simply copy the PST to your backup media. Or use a backup program.

- Leo
02-Dec-2008

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Comment from henry on 2008-11-25

2008-11-25T19:26:51Z

to Dennis Vannatta at October 31, 2008 3:20 PM
Your outlook mail box may be corrupt. go to control panel, click on mail, click show profiles, click remove. then click add. this will create a new outlook mailbox.

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Comment from Dennis Vannatta on 2008-10-31

2008-10-31T22:20:56Z

We had a new server installed at my office and now Outlook will not start because it cannot find the PST files. I really don't care if I can't recover them, but I have not been able to get Outlook to start without them. I even uninstalled Office 2003 and re-installed, and still get the same error message about not being able to find the PST files. Is there a way to start Outlook and have NEW PST files created? When I start Outlook, it says the path is not valid and then asks for the file location. I have searched the entire hard drive and network drives and cannot find any PST files. Without them, Outlook just closes and will not let you into the program to change any settings or anything.

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Comment from Graham on 2008-10-20

2008-10-20T16:25:55Z

I read some of the earlier comments about not finding the PST files and I had the same problem. If you go to Control Panel open Folder Options then the View tab and tick Show hidden Files and Apply, when you go thru the procedure again you should see it

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Comment from keith on 2008-10-18

2008-10-18T08:13:59Z

go to file, then open, then the popup should say "outlook data file" and click it. just click up one folder (as its default starting point is where you have it save your pst file) and it will show you were yours currently is...

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

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

]]>

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 ;-)

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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.

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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-----

]]>

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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

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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??

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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

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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.

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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?

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Comment from Chris on 2006-02-06

2006-02-06T19:40:14Z

Molly- I couldn't find my PST file either through the advanced button, NUTS!I just bought my computer two weeks ago so its not an old computer. If anyone figures out another way to locate that file please let me know. I would also be interested in knowing how you reinstall the PST file if one needs to use it.

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Comment from molly on 2006-02-05

2006-02-05T18:09:03Z

I tried to do this-- I also use Outlook 2003-- but when I go into Properties there is no "advanced" button! I'm the administrator on this machine, so it shouldn't be that kind of a problem. WHat am I missing?

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Comment from Leo on 2006-02-05

2006-02-05T16:23:17Z

Yes, it does. (If you use more than one PST, make sure you backup all.)

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Comment from Chris on 2006-02-04

2006-02-05T01:45:55Z

This was a very helpful article. Does saving your PST file on a external hard drive backup the all the following in outlook: inbox, contacts and calendar?

Thanks, Chris

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Comment from Kay on 2006-02-04

2006-02-04T14:38:54Z

I use outlook 2003.Is there a way to backup one particular email message to a cd. The message has both text and pictures in the body.It was sent in HTML.
Thank you.

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