backups and archives

[Aqueous]

I am confused about backups and archives in Outlook. I just reinstalled OL
after a clean install. I have copies of old Outlook pst files and old
archive files. I would rather not reconnect these large files which contain
years of email, but I would like to have access to just the last few months.
Plus obviously I would like to be able to look at the older files if I need
something. There has to be a better way than to reinstall the entire massive
pst files. This is a stand-alone computer, no exchange server. Is there a
best-practices method of storing these files in a rational way that allows
retrieval but does not keep the whole mess sitting on the hard drive? Is
there a way to divide them up by year, say? I feel like I missed some
important lesson at Outlook school. Thanks.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Archives are not backups. Archives contain outdated data you no longer need
in your current data file. A backup is a copy of your current data file.
Both archive and current files exist in the same format (*.pst--an Outlook
data file). Just open these files in Outlook and copy the items you want
from them into your current file. Instructions on how to transfer Outlook
data are posted here daily:
http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm
http://www.howto-outlook.com/Howto/backupandrestore.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

 

[DL]

If you are concerned about the size on disk then perhaps you need to
consider a larger hd, or a secondry slave drive.
You can store these data files on an external drive, then open them within
outlook, however if you fail to disconnect, within OL these files, then
restart OL without your external connected OL will baulk