Would I lose all my emails in Outlook with full computer reboot?

[HVM]

I need to do a total reboot of my laptop, will I lose all the emails I
currently have in Microsoft Outlook 2003, or are they kept online some how.
I know I will need to reinstall all office programs so not too sure about
stored emails.

If anyone knows please let me know, thanks

Hazel

 

[Joe Grover]

For nitpicking sake, "reboot" generally refers to turning your computer off
and back on. It sounds like you're going to reload Windows onto your
machine.

Whether or not your mail will be lost depends on how this is being done.
Some vendors have what is a "non-destructive" system restore that only
reinstalls Windos and keeps all your data intact (though your programs will
have to be reinstalled). More commonly it's a destructive restore that
wipes the entire drive clean and loads everything fresh. If this is the
case then yes, your mail will be lost (unless you are in a Microsoft
Exchange environment and have your mail stored on the server).

If you still have access to Windows (or at least the drive) then you can
copy your PST file off to a USB drive or other storage media. This link can
help you with that:

http://www.howto-outlook.com/howto/backupandrestore.htm

Joe

 

[Diane Poremsky [MVP]]

Are you rebooting or reinstalling? If reinstalling, yes, you will likely
lose your email and any other data you have on the computer and should back
it up to be safe.
See http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.asp


--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]
Need Help with Common Tasks? http://www.outlook-tips.net/beginner/
Outlook 2007: http://www.slipstick.com/outlook/ol2007/



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[HVM]

Thanks for your info. Oops sorry, I did mean reload back to basics with the
Dell cds I was given three years ago. I have copied "my documents" onto an
external hard drive but I don't think that will store the emails. I will
follow the link you have provided and see if that helps me store Outlook info.

Thanks again,
Hazel