How do I copy outlook data onto external device?

[Guest]

I have asked this question many times and have not understood how to find or
copy the (hidden?) .pst file. I have somehow managed to create something
called an "add-in" (whatever that is), and actually regularly get invited to
make a backup of the .pst file, which I do. I know the address of where it
(and the backup) is (C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local
Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
But how do I get to that place so I can make a copy? I know "export" is a
no-no, but not why. I can't believe that something so basic as not wanting to
lose all your contacts, emails, calendars etc. should be so incredibly
difficult. I've spent weeks and weeks on this and it's driving me mad! Please
phone me: 020 8341 9238.

 

[Z Man]

I have asked this question many times and have not understood how to find
or
copy the (hidden?) .pst file. I have somehow managed to create something
called an "add-in" (whatever that is), and actually regularly get invited
to
make a backup of the .pst file, which I do. I know the address of where it
(and the backup) is (C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local
Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
But how do I get to that place so I can make a copy? I know "export" is a
no-no, but not why. I can't believe that something so basic as not wanting
to
lose all your contacts, emails, calendars etc. should be so incredibly
difficult. I've spent weeks and weeks on this and it's driving me mad!
Please

This really isn't an Outlook question, but rather a regular file copy
question. The file is not hidden. You can simply right click on your pst
file, click 'copy', then paste it where ever you want. I just tried it and
it worked without problems. If you don't like your pst file to be in such an
obscure place, move it elsewhere. You can locate it anywhere. I keep mine in
a folder names c:\pst. (To get to the file, open Outlook then clock on
File, Data File Management, then Open Folder. From there, you can right
click on the file to copy it as indicated above. Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. I actually found it ("outlook file") using your instructions. I was
thrilled. But when I tried to paste it into another place I got this message:
X - Error Copying file or folder
The process cannot access the file because another process has locked a
portion of the file
Dear Z man - how am I supposed to know what this means???
Jo

 

[Chuck Davis]

Thanks. I actually found it ("outlook file") using your instructions. I
was
thrilled. But when I tried to paste it into another place I got this
message:
X - Error Copying file or folder
The process cannot access the file because another process has locked a
portion of the file
Dear Z man - how am I supposed to know what this means???
Jo

Jo,

Close Outlook first?

 

[Guest]

second reply. I experimented. It said I couldn't copy it unless I first
closed Outlook, which I could not do because I could only get to it at all by
opening Outlook. Circular. So then I clicked on the backup and told it to
"send to" my documents. This worked. Why, when copy and paste not alllowed?
Fingers crossed. Hope it will finally get to external device (in the morning).
Thank you so much.

 

[DL]

You cannot copy a pst when OL is open - sometimes you can but this will
corrupt the pst.

By default the installation of OL and creating the pst, locates this in a
hidden folder. Part of Documents And Settings Folder group. You can access
this group in Explorer if Explorer is set to show hidden files.
The Backup addin is a MS tool, you can use this tool to direct your backup
to any location on your HD
See here for more info
http://www.howto-outlook.com/howto/backupandrestore.htm
PS not a good idea to post personal details on a public news group

 

[Brian Tillman]

I have asked this question many times and have not understood how to
find or copy the (hidden?) .pst file.

Open Windows Explorer. In the "Address" field, enter the following string:

%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Click Go. You'll now see the contents of the hidden folder and your PST
will be there as an "Outlook Data File"

I have somehow managed to
create something called an "add-in" (whatever that is), and actually
regularly get invited to make a backup of the .pst file, which I do.
I know the address of where it (and the backup) is (C:\Documents and
Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\

Wait a minute. Didn't you already post this question? Stick to a single
thread, please.

 

[Brian Tillman]

Thanks. I actually found it ("outlook file") using your instructions.
I was thrilled. But when I tried to paste it into another place I got
this message: X - Error Copying file or folder
The process cannot access the file because another process has locked
a portion of the file

Make sure Outlook is completely closed before trying to sopy the file.

 

[Brian Tillman]

second reply. I experimented. It said I couldn't copy it unless I
first closed Outlook, which I could not do because I could only get
to it at all by opening Outlook.

Nonsense. Windows Explorer.