Moving Outlook to another PC, and moving data files to another location

[/mel/]

Outlook 2003/SP2, XP Pro/SP2.

I've copied my Outlook installation to a second computer using Microsoft
Files & Settings Transfer Wizard. Aside from losing account passwords along
the way (intentionally I guess) it all seemed to work, surprisingly.

Then, with Outlook closed down, I've manually moved the data files (I prefer
to keep them on a separate drive as part of my disaster recovery system /
backup regime), and pointed Outlook at the new location when prompted. So
far as I know this is the recommended method for relocating data files.

Outlook is working fine in its' new home, and emails are being stored
correctly in their various places. Wow.

However - the data file management control panel applet, and indeed the Data
File Management menu item within Outlook, report "error locating items
needed to complete this operation, may have been deleted", and show no data
files.

What's the trick to fixing this (and why am I having to fix it)?

/mel/

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

When you move your PST file that way, many of functions that relied on the
old file path will need to be reset manually. Rules and the Outlook Address
Book Service come to mind. I'm sure you'll discover others as you use
Outlook.

 

[/mel/]

Rules are working fine. I don't use the address book. You seem to be
suggesting that this is not the right way to move PST files - if that's the
case, then what is the right way? It seems as though Outlook is maintaining
two sets of pointers to data, which seems rather odd.

When you move your PST file that way, many of functions that relied on the
old file path will need to be reset manually. Rules and the Outlook
Address Book Service come to mind. I'm sure you'll discover others as you
use Outlook.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Outlook 2003/SP2, XP Pro/SP2.

I've copied my Outlook installation to a second computer using Microsoft
Files & Settings Transfer Wizard. Aside from losing account passwords
along the way (intentionally I guess) it all seemed to work,
surprisingly.

Then, with Outlook closed down, I've manually moved the data files (I
prefer to keep them on a separate drive as part of my disaster recovery
system / backup regime), and pointed Outlook at the new location when
prompted. So far as I know this is the recommended method for relocating
data files.

Outlook is working fine in its' new home, and emails are being stored
correctly in their various places. Wow.

However - the data file management control panel applet, and indeed the
Data File Management menu item within Outlook, report "error locating
items needed to complete this operation, may have been deleted", and show
no data files.

What's the trick to fixing this (and why am I having to fix it)?

/mel/

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

The only supported method for moving the default PST file is to copy it to a
new location, then connect to it and set it as default in within Outlook
using Data File Management.
The method you used is easier and does work, but it leaves your profile with
lots of references to the old PST file location, as you have discovered.
They should be harmless. Most people only get complaints from Outlook when
they look at their rules (which need to be reset) and when they try to open
the Outlook Address Book, which also will need to be reset.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Rules are working fine. I don't use the address book. You seem to be
suggesting that this is not the right way to move PST files - if that's
the case, then what is the right way? It seems as though Outlook is
maintaining two sets of pointers to data, which seems rather odd.

When you move your PST file that way, many of functions that relied on
the old file path will need to be reset manually. Rules and the Outlook
Address Book Service come to mind. I'm sure you'll discover others as you
use Outlook.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Outlook 2003/SP2, XP Pro/SP2.

I've copied my Outlook installation to a second computer using Microsoft
Files & Settings Transfer Wizard. Aside from losing account passwords
along the way (intentionally I guess) it all seemed to work,
surprisingly.

Then, with Outlook closed down, I've manually moved the data files (I
prefer to keep them on a separate drive as part of my disaster recovery
system / backup regime), and pointed Outlook at the new location when
prompted. So far as I know this is the recommended method for relocating
data files.

Outlook is working fine in its' new home, and emails are being stored
correctly in their various places. Wow.

However - the data file management control panel applet, and indeed the
Data File Management menu item within Outlook, report "error locating
items needed to complete this operation, may have been deleted", and
show no data files.

What's the trick to fixing this (and why am I having to fix it)?

/mel/