How to change filepath for file> open> outlook data file

[joebad22]

After a system crash and reinstalling everything, I've got everything
in Outlook working perfectly -- I changed the default location of where
outlook looks for the outlook.pst so that when outlook opens, all is
well. However, if I want to open my archive.pst folder, when I go to
File> Open> Outlook Data File I am taken back to outlook's original
default file location (c:\documents and settings\username\local
settings\application data\microsoft\outlook). I want to go to E:\My
Documents\Microsoft Outlook Data Files (which is where my pst files are
located). How to I get outlook to change where it goes when I go to
File> Open> Outlook Data File? Thanks!

 

[Brian Tillman]

After a system crash and reinstalling everything, I've got everything
in Outlook working perfectly -- I changed the default location of
where outlook looks for the outlook.pst so that when outlook opens,
all is well. However, if I want to open my archive.pst folder, when
I go to File> Open> Outlook Data File I am taken back to outlook's
original default file location (c:\documents and
settings\username\local settings\application data\microsoft\outlook).
I want to go to E:\My Documents\Microsoft Outlook Data Files (which
is where my pst files are located). How to I get outlook to change
where it goes when I go to File> Open> Outlook Data File? Thanks!

I don't think this can be changed. Just navigate to the folder containing
the PST you wish to open.

 

[joebad]

I appreciate your input/opinion but hope you realize that it's not at
all useful, unless you're certain that the issue stated cannot be
remedied.

 

[Brian Tillman]

I appreciate your input/opinion but hope you realize that it's not at
all useful, unless you're certain that the issue stated cannot be
remedied.

I'm certain. Google tells me that at least one other person agrees.
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.outlook.general/msg/29130750e5f97de4?dmode=source

 

[joebad]

Brian, thank you again for taking the time to respond. However, after
reading the comments you directed me to, I don't think that the author
of those comments is addressing the same issue. Maybe I wasn't clear
or maybe I'm misunderstanding something now.

Let me reiterate my situation -- when I open outlook, the proper pst
file is located and loaded automatically, even though it is located in
a directory (folder) that is different from the directory that outlook
typically opens when newly installed. That is because I was able to
modify the data file setting in Outlook. My problem is that if I
subsequently want to open other pst files that are located in the same
directory where the outlook.pst file is that outlook initially now
opens, I have to navigate to it rather than just have Outlook know
where to look for it.

 

[Brian Tillman]

Brian, thank you again for taking the time to respond. However, after
reading the comments you directed me to, I don't think that the author
of those comments is addressing the same issue. Maybe I wasn't clear
or maybe I'm misunderstanding something now.

You were clear and the article I referenced addresses exactly what you were
asking, just ike my answer did.

My problem is that if I
subsequently want to open other pst files that are located in the same
directory where the outlook.pst file is that outlook initially now
opens, I have to navigate to it rather than just have Outlook know
where to look for it.

This is a true statement. You must navigate to the folder where you want
the PST created. File>New>Outlook Data File will ALWAYS open
%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook and you must
navigate to the other folder. However, you can always add that other folder
to the "My Places" pane on the right. Navigate to the folder you want, then
click Tools>Add to "My Places".

 

[joebad]

Brian, thank you, that's very helpful... I was not aware of the ability
and/or usefulness of adding locations to the "My Places Bar". It's not
exactly what I'd hoped for, but it's a great improvement.

"Joe" Badham