Outlook Personal Folders.pst

[Guest]

In MS Outlook, my intention was to create a simple, accessible backup of my
Tasks and Journal. Following on-screen instructions in Outlook, I created a
new data file which I saved with the extension .pst in My Documents. Outlook
created a new folder “Personal Folders†which appears in Outlook Folder List.
To see if it was working, I dragged ‘Tasks’ into the Folder then I
right-clicked Personal Folders and clicked “Open Outlook Data fileâ€, “then
OK†but the file did not open.
There is no option to delete the folder ‘Personal Folders’. There seems to
be no way I can ‘undo changes’ before exiting Outlook. I just want to clear
it and try again. Can anyone help please?
Windows XP
Office XP Small Business

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

If I understand the sequence of events correctly, the file didn't open because it was already open -- in other words, it was already visible in your folder list. To close a .pst file so that it no longer appears in the folder list, right-click its top folder and choose Close from the context menu that pops up.

 

[Guest]

Thank you Sue for your prompt reply. I've experimented with this and it works
ok.
Regards my last paragraph - how can I delete 'Personal Folders' as there is
no option on the File Menu in Outlook to perform this action? (I tried to
delete the Data File from where I have stored it in My Documents but I get a
message that deleting it could harm my computer). I don't use Outlook for
mail.

 

[Brian Tillman]

Regards my last paragraph - how can I delete 'Personal Folders' as
there is no option on the File Menu in Outlook to perform this
action? (I tried to delete the Data File from where I have stored it
in My Documents but I get a message that deleting it could harm my
computer). I don't use Outlook for mail.

You need a PST (Personal Folders) to use any part of Outlook, not just the
mail function. Never delete a PST from disk to which Outlook is still
linked (i.e., that it shows in the Folder List or File>Data File
Management). Some folders in the Personal Folders file, like Deleted Items,
Contacts, Inbox, Calendar, Tasks, and Journal cannot be deleted. Other
folders that you have created can be deleted by selecting them and clicking
Delete.

 

[Guest]

I installed the MS-provided pfbackup.exe add-on for Outlook 2003 to schedule
regular backups.
The install went fine, but I do not see the menu options from which i can
actually start the add-on. Earlier it used to be in File --> Backup, but I
do not see that option.
Any helo will be greatly appreicated.
Thanks a lot.

PKM