How to Backup and Restore Outlook

Microsoft's popular email, contact and time management software program, Outlook, has become an indispensable tool to many of its users. It is vital for these users to have a means to back up and restore their Outlook files. This is especially beneficial in the event of a computer crash, or even simply the switch to a new computer on which you wish to import your Outlook files. Follow these steps to back up and restore your Outlook files.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and click on "File" at the top left of the screen. A drop-down menu of options will appear.

2. Select "Import and Export" from the list of options. The Import and Export dialog box will open.

3. 

   Choose "Export to a File" by clicking on it once. It should be highlighted. Click the "Next" button at the bottom of the dialog box.

4. Select the option labeled "Personal Folders .pst" to save the backup files you are creating in a format suitable for restoring Outlook. Click "Next." Your personal folders list will open in a new window.

5. Select the folders or subfolders you wish to back up by clicking on them and clicking "Next" again. A new window titled Export Personal Folders will open.

6. Choose to which folders on your computer you would like to export the backup files, and the rules for overwriting any existing files. Click "Finish." You have successfully backed up your Microsoft Outlook personal folders.

7. Restore these files to any computer with Outlook by clicking on "File" again in the navigation pane. Select "Import and Export," then "Import from Another Program or File." From the new window, select "Personal Folders - .pst files," and then "Next."

8. Use the browse button to locate the backup files you created earlier. Select those files, choose your file overwriting preferences, and click "Next." You have now imported your backup files to restore Microsoft Outlook.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care when setting your file overwriting preferences so that you do not permanently overwrite files or settings that you want to keep.

References

• Microsoft support: How to manage .pst files in Outlook

Resources

• Help for Outlook 2007