Setting .pst files

[jmparsons3]

I am still trying to get my fresh installation of Outlook 2007 to work
the way it did before.

I realize I did make one mistake, in that I imported my old .pst file
into a new one, thereby losing all my rules and filters. So I
attempted to make the old one the default. I exported all new emails
from the new .pst, then moved the old .pst into a new folder and made
it the default.

I intended to delete the old .pst once I knew the change was
successful. At the end, I wanted to have my data files in an easy to
locate folder in Documents.

When I try to remove the old .pst file through Tools|AccountSettings|
Data Files, I am told that information is being copied from this data
file. I let the computer run over night, but I have the same problem.

Although the old .pst file has been designated as the default and
shows up with all filters intact, new mail is still going into the old
one.

Additionally, the ToDo list no longer shows on the desktop--there is a
persistent message in its place, "The operation failed. An object
could not be found."

How do I go about fixing the mess I've created for myself?

Joe Parsons

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You have corrupted your Outlook profile beyond repair. Do you still have a
good backup of your original PST file that you haven't yet mangled with all
these incorrect methods of data transfer? If so, create a new profile from
scratch and use one of the correct methods for data transfer that we have
posted here many times:
http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm
http://www.howto-outlook.com/Howto/backupandrestore.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

Note that some of the information on these pages is outdated and no longer
applies to Outlook 2003 or 2007. Specifically:
1. Ignore any advice to copy your PST file to Outlook's default location to
connect it to your profile. Doing so only corrupts your profile. Copy it
anywhere BUT the default location and open it within your Outlook profile.
2. Ignore any advice that tells you to use export or import to transfer
Outlook data. That has never been sound advice, but the process has become
too deeply flawed now to be of any use whatsoever.

 

[Brian Tillman [MVP - Outlook]]

I am still trying to get my fresh installation of Outlook 2007 to work
the way it did before.

I realize I did make one mistake, in that I imported my old .pst file
into a new one, thereby losing all my rules and filters. So I
attempted to make the old one the default. I exported all new emails
from the new .pst, then moved the old .pst into a new folder and made
it the default.

If you overwrite an PST that is currently in a mail profile or is you rename a
PST to match the name of a PST currently in a mail profile, you will corrupt
the profile and will need to create a new one to fix it.

I intended to delete the old .pst once I knew the change was
successful. At the end, I wanted to have my data files in an easy to
locate folder in Documents.

When I try to remove the old .pst file through Tools|AccountSettings|
Data Files, I am told that information is being copied from this data
file. I let the computer run over night, but I have the same problem.

Although the old .pst file has been designated as the default and
shows up with all filters intact, new mail is still going into the old
one.

Click Tools>Account Setting>Data Files. Which PST is marked as default?

How do I go about fixing the mess I've created for myself?

A new mail profile containing only the PST you want Outlook to use is probably
the best way.