Copying PST files--OL 2003

[Joe McGuire]

I am haivng trouble copying my PST files, including archive files. I want
to move them from a computer I access remotely to my desktop in my home
office where I have set up a profile for work stuff. The files are
obviously too big to simply e-mail--and I'd probably have to have OL running
to do that which obviously would not work. So I have been trying to send
them via YouSendIt.com, which allows sending files up to 2 gigs. However,
even with OL closed and the remote computer rebooted I consistently get
error messages to the effect of "this file is locked by another process" as
to each of the files when I try to send them. I tried copying the *.pst
files figuring I'd temporarily change *.pst" to something else and change it
back at the other end. Same error message.

Any suggestions for moving these files electronically? Yes, I could
probably drive 40 miles to the remote computer and copy the files onto a
thumb drive if forced but for obvious reasons electronically seems a lot
easier. (Note for the wary: The remote computer is maintained by a
contractor--a long story there--for my use and there is no issue about my
access to the data)

 

[K. Orland]

Have you verified that Outlook is closed by making sure outlook.exe is not
running in the processes when the task manager is opened? There are many
things (Add Ins, etc.) that can hold Outlook open even when you think you
have closed it.

 

[Joe McGuire]

The Task Manager shows no active programs. The message I get when I try to
send is to the effect that the files are in use by another program, even
though nothing else is running. I had tried rebooting the remote
computer--and not opening OL--but got the same message.

 

[K. Orland]

But does it show Outlook running in the processes?

 

[Joe McGuire]

No. There is no evidence of OL running at all in the task Manager or
anywhere else I can think of.

 

[Bob Milton]

Joe,
You looking at applications or processes in task manager? There are
ALWAYS processes running (and usually quite a number) even if there are no
applications (which require a visible window to be listed)
Bob

 

[Joe McGuire]

Good point. Let me check that!

Joe,
You looking at applications or processes in task manager? There are
ALWAYS processes running (and usually quite a number) even if there are no
applications (which require a visible window to be listed)
Bob

 

[Joe McGuire]

Indeed you are right! With OL closed I can see that one of the processes
running is the folder where my backups go using the OL Backup Tool. Is
there any way to tell if anything is actually happenine? There is no
discernible sign of anbacking up going on. Ishoud note that apaart from the
first time I ran the PST Files Backup Tool I have never seen any actual
evidence of backing up.

 

[Joe McGuire]

Wait. I stand corrected. The folder I mentioned is running in
Apllications. In Processes Outlook.exe seems to be running. If I click on
End Process I get an error message saying that Terminating a process can
cause undesired results, including loss of data and system instability. The
processes will not be given the chance to save its state or data before it
is terminated. Are you sure you want to terminate the process?" Well,
franklyk, I am not sure since I have no idea what the heck is going on!

Is this mere Microsoft boilerplate to be ignored?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

No, definitely not but you might be out of options unless you can find which
application hooks into the outlook.exe process directly after a clean start.
For instance fax-software or a sync application for a mobile device.
Terminating those applications should release the outlook.exe process.

For additional suggestions and troubleshooting steps see;
http://www.howto-outlook.com/faq/outlookdoesntclose.htm

After this, it might be good to check your pst-file for errors with
scanpst.exe.
See http://www.msoutlook.info/question/77

 

[Joe McGuire]

It looks like other software may be keeping OL from closing, such as
Symantec antivirus. I have to get a password to uninstall it and replace it
with McAfee. Uninstalled and then reinstalled Outlook Personal Files
Backup. Now I realize why I have never gotten a backup using this software:
it won't run because it always finds that "some portion of the file is
locked up." The only way at present to backup or copy the files is to
export them, which from all the articles I read is a major no-no.

 

[K. Orland]

You can kill the task outlook.exe in processes and then with Outlook closed,
simply copy your PST file.

Also note, when uninstalling a Symantec product there is also a utility on
their website to help you make a complete and clean uninstall since simply
uninstalling it using the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs doesn't
actually truly uninstall all of it.

In addition, what you can do instead of switching to McAfee (another product
you have to pay for) is simply reinstall Symantec and omit the integration
with Outlook. It doesn't compromise your security since your real time
scanner will catch whatever it's updated for.

If you have already installed McAfee and have configured it to integrate
with Outlook, it's quite possible you'll have the same problem come up.
Antivirus doesn't need to scan email actively.

 

[Joe McGuire]

I tried that by closing OL. However, to my surprise outlook.exe is NOT
running in Processes. But I still cannot copy, e-mial or rename any pst
files.

 

[Joe McGuire]

And Symantec seems to have some sort of "Tamper Guard" running so until I
can get the needed password from my contractor (that shouldn't be hard) I'm
still stuck since I can't modify any settings.