rules on 2 computers

[Guest]

When I travel, which is OFTEN, I copy my .pst file from the desktop to my
laptop. Each in the same directory on the respective machine.

My .pst file is almost 2 G and across my LAN it takes a few minutes, but is
managable.

I use Microsof SynchToy.

The PROBLEM, the rules I created on the desktop don't seem to transfer to
the laptop. In the rules there is a restriction 'on this machine only' that
I can NOT avoid.

Is that why the rules don't work when I move the .pst?

Is there a better way to carry with me my Outlook data when I leave?

The rules are simple. They move inbound emails to specific accounts into
specific inboxes for that account. And the other rules move sent mail into
specific sent folders for those specific accounts.

I really rely on Outlook, I hope someone can give me some advice. Thank you.

JWB

 

[Guest]

Have you tried exporting your rules on one computer to a file and then
importing them on the other computer? BTW, I hope your 2GB .PST file is in
the newer Unicode format that Outlook 2003 and 2007 create by default...2GB
is the absolute limit on the older Outlook 97-2002 format .PST files and
you'll be in a heap of trouble if you get anywhere near that number (but I
suspect if you're not already having trouble, you're using the newer type
file).

 

[Guest]

How do I know if it is the newer Unicode version?

I thought the rules "Export" was for moving the rules to a "Previous
Version" of Outlook, meaning, Outlook 97 etc. That is why I never tried
that. Are you saying it is exactly for what I am trying to do?

Thanks
JWB

 

[Guest]

I tried the export / import.

When I import, each of the rules (in my case 8 of them) show up with the
"specific account" instead of the name of the actual account. So... I have
to update each of the rules, which is fine, assuming I won't have to do that
EVERY time I move my data to the laptop.

BUT, then when I tried the rules with an incoming message or an outgoing
message, they didn't work. Upon further review... each of the rules had in
paraenthesis (For other machine) after it.

I was not able to get rid of the (On this machine only) when I created the
rules and now it comes over with this.....

I can't be the only guy using Outlook that wants to take his .pst file with
him on the road.. am I?

Thanks

JWB

 

[Guest]

While in Outlook, right click the root folder of your .PST file and click
Properties, then the Advanced tab. In the "Format" box, if it is the new
Unicode format, it will just say "Personal Folders File"; otherwise it will
say "Personal Folders File (97-2002)".

 

[Guest]

The only answer I have been able to find is that when you use a criterion
like "through the specified account", you are specifying the account on the
computer where the rule was created. Outlook on the other computer doesn't
know what account that is. If you uncheck "through the specified account"
and "on this machine only" before exporting the rules, you might be able be
able to import them each time you move the .PST and then just add those
criteria back in on the 2nd machine. If there is an easier way, someone will
tell us, I'm sure. I seem to remember having to go through those motions
earlier this year when trying to use my main .PST on my laptop during a trip.

Basically, the "on this machine only" criterion will always appear if you
are adding something else to the rule that is tied to that specific machine.
Something like "with 'aol.com' in the sender's address" would be universal
and could be used anywhere.