Unicode Format in OL 2007 & Vista

[John A Hansen]

I'm currently using:
Email = OL 2003
OS = Windows XP

I've got some old old *.pst with valuable
messages in them (OL 97 & OL 2000 etc)
in the old Ansi format ( limit of 1.8 Gigs)
The data contained in these messages are often
basic research , photos etc.

So I've looked at the potential of converting these
messages in the old *.pst to OL 2003.... with the new
Unicode format. It's not clear to me which method is
the most secure and trouble free.

The next issue is the need to upgrade again to the
OL 2007 and thence to Vista in the near future.
What steps are necessary to then upgrade those older
*.pst files to the new Vista OS etc.

Thanks so much for your assistance and support.
Best Regards
John A Hansen

 

[Roady [MVP]]

There is no need to convert these pst-files at all. Outlook 2007 can open
Outlook 97-2002 formatted pst-files as well. If these pst-files are just
archives you can leave them as is.

You version of Windows does affect this at all.

 

[Pat Willener]

Create a new PST file (File | New | Outlook Data File). Once it is
created, copy (drag-and-drop) all items (e.g. folders) from the old data
file to the new one. Use right-click drag-and-drop to choose between
Copy and Move.

 

[John A Hansen]

Dear Pat:

Thanks so much.

What is your recommendation or information regarding the
next upgrade requirements in OL 2007 etc?

Best Regards
John A Hansen

 

[Pat Willener]

I would definitely recommend to move your data to the "new" 2003 PST
file format. Not only does it allow for much more data than the pre-2003
PST file, it also allows multibyte (Unicode) data.