Outlook XP and Reinstall

[Rob Hansen]

I had to reinstall my operating system, and subsequently had to reinstall my
Office XP. I have a full system backup available in which I have C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office (as well as all my other program files). The problem
is that I lost all of my e-mails and contacts, as well as all of my calendar
appointments. Since I have the program on a separate hard drive, is there
any way I can recover this important stuff?

Thanks,
RFH

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day Rob,

I am assuming that the re-install was on (say) C: and
that you have a backup on (say) D: !

Now you are looking for a file with a name like:
!!! outlook.PST !!!
This is your 'Personal Folders' file.

1. The most likely location is:
C:\Documents and Settings
\<USERNAME>\Local Settings
\Application Data\Microsoft
\Outlook\Outlook.pst

2. You can check this with the NEW installation:
Start Outlook
Display the 'Folder List'
At the top of the Folder List, Right-Click
' Personal Folders - (Outlook Today)'
Click on 'Properties for "Outlook Today" ...'
"General' (tab)
'Advanced' (button)
Check and NOTE 'FileName'
'Cancel' your way out without changing anything,
and close Outlook.
Change the name of this file to 'oldOutlook.pst'
using Windows Explorer.

3. Check this location in the BackUp on D: -
If there is a likely file, COPY it as a replacement
for 'FileName' in step 2 (above).

4. Start Outlook. If all is well delete 'oldOutlook.pst'
and say a quiet prayer. Skip all remaining steps.

5. If this is NOT the correct file, search the BackUp
on D: for '*.pst' and copy each one in turn to replace
'FileName' in 2 (above), and GoTo Step 4.

6. If NO file works then we are BOTH STUFFED!!

Let's know how you go!!
--
Regards,
Pat Garard
Australia

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