Back up Outlook Express

You need to back up Outlook for safety and security reasons, just as you do any other program. Of course, Outlook has its own back up rules. Data files are saved with an extension you might not expect (.pst) instead of looking like the other file listings. Follow these steps to save Outlook information so you can retrieve anything you need in the case of an emergency.

Steps

1. Create a back up folder to hold the messages you have saved. Name it something that will signify that this folder is for message back ups.
2. Find the directory that holds your original incoming messages.
   • Select "Tools" and "Options" while in this directory.
   • Find the area under "Options" that says "Maintenance," and select "Options."
   • Highlight the "Store Selection" address that is given. Now, right click it and then choose "Copy."
   • Close the boxes you have been working in.
3. Proceed to copy the data stored therein to the back up folder.
   • Click on the "Start" button located in the left bottom corner of your screen.
   • Press "Run" and paste the copied file location in the box that appears either by pressing "Control" plus the "V" key or right clicking the mouse.
   • Copy all of the saved message data from the "Store" directory by using "Edit" to select "Copy" or pressing "Control" plus the "C" key.
   • Close out box.
4. Open the folder you created in the beginning of this explanation. Paste the data you copied above, either by pressing "Control" plus the "V" key or right clicking the mouse.
5. Understand that older versions of Outlook will react somewhat differently.
   • "Personal Folders Backup" allows you to select which .pst files you want to include and set an automatic schedule.
   • Try this free download for Versions 2002 through 2007 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyId=8B081F3A%2DB7D0%2D4B16%2DB8AF%2D5A6322F4FD01&displaylang=en).
   • Follow the instructions that come with the download for your specific version of Outlook .
6. Search online for an automatic back up utility such as TK8. This service will allow you to set regular back ups of Outlook.

Tips

• In the event that your version of Windows does not show "Run," use the help area of "Start" to find it. Then type "run" where it asks for what you need to get help. Choose "Start Menu" from that table and then the "Customize" button. Go down the list and select "Run Command." Click okay to finish and exit.
• All-inclusive back ups of your computer at work may not include specific components of Outlook Express. Check with your IT department to find out.

Warnings

• Automatic back up utility software programs are often available for a fee after the initial 30-day trial.

Things You'll Need

• Outlook
• Computer

Related Articles

• Use the Internet on Microsoft Outlook 2003
• Set up Microsoft Outlook
• Get Outlook to Send Mail Via SMTP if You Get Error 530
• Configure Outlook Express

Sources and Citations

• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270670
• http://www.pchell.com/support/backupoe.shtml
• http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyId=8B081F3A%2DB7D0%2D4B16%2DB8AF%2D5A6322F4FD01&displaylang=en

See also

• Save Your Password in Outlook 2010
• Configure Outlook Express
• Organize Using Microsoft Outlook 2003
• Organize and Cleanup Outlook Express Address Book
• Add a Contact in Microsoft Office
• Mark Messages As Read when Clicked on Outlook
• Change the Reply to Address in Outlook
• Turn Off the Reading Pane in Outlook
• Delete an Email Address from Autocomplete on Outlook
• Fix Outlook Error 0x800ccc0b While Sending of Email

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What links here

• Back Up Microsoft Outlook