MS Outlook 2003 question.

[FastEddy]

I just suffered a computer crash and had recent backups of most everything.
Outlook was an exception.

I keep all my data files in a data directory that gets backed up.
Is there a way to tell Outlook 2003 to keep its data files in another directory other than the default?
If yes, how?

 

[Blah420]

did you get a virus or something

 

[Rolex]

Interesting question. My neighbor and I were just talking about that today since we are about to dump Comcast for another provider. We were wondering about mail not saved yet, but read and still in the in box. I'll be checking tomorrow, but if you come up with any info, keep me posted here.

Okay, I found it.........
Highlight the Email in Outlook-Depressed, then click 'File' then 'Save as'. Then you can create a folder anywhere.

 

[FastEddy]

No virus I wish thats what it was.
One of the drives on my raid went out. I'm a speed freak so I had them striped. Theres no getting the data back. I backed up late last week so I'm not out that much data.

I did find a great device today. Its an external HD made by Maxtor called a one touch. It hooks up Fire Wire or USB 2.0. Once the software is configured you press the one button on the front and it makes a direct copy of all you data. Its not an archived backup but a direct copy. It mirrors the directory or files you set it up to read. It also works across the network. You can also use it as an additional hard drive. All for $169.00 at Costco.
http://www.maxstore.com/product.asp?sku=2392250
I'm sure I could have found it cheaper but it looked good at the time. (I just Crashed)

If I find a way with Outlook I will let you know.

Okay, I found it.........
Highlight the Email in Outlook-Depressed, then click 'File' then 'Save as'. Then you can create a folder anywhere.

Not quite what I m after....

I want Outlook to keep its "working data" in a directory of my choice.
Good try.

--------------------------------------
Found it
Tools > Options > Mail Setup > Data Files.
Just whare it should be.

 

[Rolex]

Oh, you mean like address files. Don't know. I once had to back up my address files and I used something called a 'pen'.
I haven't tried yet, but I'll check in 'My Computer', programs, and somewhere within Outlook there might be a folder of addresses to copy.
Is that what you're trying to do?

I went to 'tools' 'options' but I don't have what you have. I do my Email on Win 98, not on the XP comp. Maybe that's why. I can't find data files listed.

 

[Blah420]

theres a folder under matinance called the store folder

 

[FastEddy]

Found it
Tools > Options > Mail Setup > Data Files.
Just whare it should be.

Thanks Guys

 

[Rolex]

That's listed as "Personal Message Store", that wouldn't be the addys would it?

 

[Blah420]

lol i guess i should pay attetion u allready found what u needed

 

[FastEddy]

That's listed as "Personal Message Store", that wouldn't be the addys would it?

I believe thats ALL your Outlook data.

 

[Rolex]

Okay, that's good to know....Thanks

You are correct.....I just checked it out through Window's Explorer.
C/Windows/Application Files/Identities, and all the index files, saved folder, sent, etc. were under Outlook Depressed.

Learned something new.....Thanks again.

 

[SkyMaxx]

Outlook can work off of a PST file that you place on your hard drive. It creates a default PST to hold temporary data, but does not pull your e-mail info off the server unless you direct it to do so.

If you are still having issues with this, let me know...and I will try to walk you through setting up a PST that you can back up as simply as drag and drop.

Note, the PST file holds everything you set up within it (addresses, calendars, journals, contacts, e-mails, etc.)

 

[FastEddy]

Outlook has a simple Import / Export function that wors great as well.

 

[SkyMaxx]

I'm guessing that your response means that you have resolved your issues.

The only problem with the export/import option is that it requires operator action to initiate. The PST option also requires operator action come back up time, but allows you the option to park your Outlook specific info somewhere you consider safe (ie not on a questionable hard drive). It is a bit more flexible and certainly protects against data loss.

Just food for thought.

Particularly if the crashes are at the server level...you could keep the files on your own hard drive and not the server.

 

[FastEddy]

I'm guessing that your response means that you have resolved your issues.

I thought we were on to helping Rolex with his issue. LOL
I found my answer and posted it in post #4.
Outlook will allow you to store your .pst (Data File) file anywhere you would like, locally or on a network. You just need to tell it where to go.

I have set all my programs up to keep their data files in a common directory called "Data". Doing this make backing up easy. Just one directory needs to be copied or archived rather than trying to remember where each program hides their data.

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[Rolex]

That's what's so great about this site. Long after you have resolved your issues, and thank whoever provided the info, you'll get several more suggestions.
About 9 months from now, someone will come across this thread in the archives and give you another suggestion, followed by another 2 days worth of replies.

 

[SkyMaxx]

Oh. I didn't realize that your found it remark was related to the PST. Never mind the suggested solution I posted seems to be the one you already found. As for Rolex's issue...didn't know he had one...other than the Comcast thing.

 

[Rolex]

I was wondering if my mail and folders would dissapear when I dump Comcast, but found out that everything is in Outlook, once it's been recieved.

 

[SkyMaxx]

What you discovered is set up dependent. If you use personal folders, then you set yourself up to keep everything. Most of the time, people run the defaults and end up losing things when they drop their normal exchange server. Why? Everything stays on the server.

In your case, it sounds like you got either lucky or were set up for success from the beginning. Glad you kept your files.

 

[Rolex]

I know I'm okay since I did a test on it yesterday. I disconnected the Comcast modem and then opened Outlook. Other than getting the message that it was unable to connect to the server, everything was still where it should have been.
When I get another provider, I can just select Outlook as my default, and only have to change my Email address.