Oulook 2003 Looks for Non-existent file, reinstalls

[Cathie]

I have just installed Outlook 2003 on a new Vista laptop. After setting it
up, I imported an Outlook.pst file from a flash drive. Now, everytime I
start up Outlook, I get an error message "The path specified for the file
F:\outlook.pst is not valid.". I then remove that message and and the
program wants me to "Create or Open" Outlook.pst in the "Documents" folder.
Canceling that, I get a message "Preparing to install ..." and then "Please
wait while Windows configures ..." (Office). Outlook 2003 then opens
properly.

Perhaps a clue, when I attempt to open my address book, I get an error
message, and then an empty contact list. Scrolling down, I find another
contact list with my contact in it.

I've tried unistalling and reinstalling, but that doesn't help. Can you?

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You never import Outlook data. You now have a corrupt profile.
Transfer your data file to your hard drive and make sure you note its name
an location. If you can, use the Mail applet in Control Panel > Data File
Management to add that file to your profile, then set it as your default.
If you are unable to do that, then you must create a new profile from
scratch, then open your data file in that profile and set it as your
default.