How to Configure a Microsoft Outlook Data File

In Outlook, you can store messages in .pst data files.

Most email providers limit the amount of data you are allowed to store on your account. If you use the Microsoft Outlook application to check your email and are concerned that you are close to your account quota, you should start moving messages out of your mailbox and onto your computer's hard drive. The easiest way to do this is to configure an Outlook data file, otherwise known as a ".pst" file.

Instructions

1. Launch the Microsoft Outlook application on your computer and, if prompted to log in, enter the username and password for your email account.

2. Open the "File" menu at the top of the window, expand the "New" submenu and select "Outlook Data File."

3. Select "Office Outlook Personal Folders File (.pst)" from the list of options and then hit "OK."

4. Navigate to the location on your computer's hard drive where you want to store the new Outlook data file.

5. Enter a name for the Outlook data file and then press "OK."

6. Select one of the encryption settings and choose whether or not you want the data file to be locked with a password. Hit "OK" when you are done configuring the security settings. The new Outlook data file will now appear in the folder list on the left side of the main Outlook window. You can begin dragging mail items or other data to the new folder.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to create a .pst file in Outlook 2003