How do I Change the Location of an Inbox PST File?

Move an Outlook PST file to a new folder on your computer.

An inbox Personal Folders file (PST) is a type of Microsoft Outlook data file where all your emails, calendar items, tasks and other items are saved on your computer. By default, Windows will save your Outlook files in a particular folder, but you can move your data file to a different folder to suit your needs. PST files created in Outlook 2010 are saved under My Documents/Outlook Files. In previous versions of Outlook, Windows saves your PST file in a hidden folder.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Outlook 2010, 2007 or 2003
• PST file
• Windows computer

Instructions

Outlook 2010

1. Close Outlook.

2. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the current folder containing your PST file. If it's in the default location, open "Documents," then "Outlook Files."

3. Move the PST file by copying and pasting it from Windows Explorer to a different folder.

4. Reopen Outlook. An error message will appear saying that the PST file can't be found. Click "OK," and a "Create/Open Outlook Data File" dialog box will appear.

5. Navigate to the new folder containing your PST file. Select the PST file, then click "Open."

Outlook 2007 or 2003

1. Open Outlook 2007 or 2003. Change the name of your PST file so it's recognizable before moving it to a new location. Right-click "Personal Folders" in the Navigation Pane, then select "Properties for 'Personal Folders.'" Click "Advanced." Enter a new name for the file in the "Name" box.

2. Note the file location of the PST file listed next to "Filename." Click "OK." Close Outlook.

3. Open Windows Explorer to navigate to your PST file. By default, it's located in a hidden folder. Turn on access to hidden folders. Click the "Tools" menu in Windows Explorer, then "Folder Options." Click the "View" tab. Under "Advanced Settings," under "Hidden Files and Folders," click "Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives." Click "OK."

4. Open the folder containing your PST file. Move the file by copying and pasting it to a new folder. Open "Control Panel" from the "Start" menu. Click "User Accounts," then "Mail." Select "Show Profiles." Choose the profile containing the PST file you just moved.

5. Click "Properties," then "Data Files." Choose the PST file and click "Settings." A message will appear prompting you that the data file can't be found. Click "OK," then browse to the new location of the PST file. Select the file, then click "Open." Click "OK," then click "Close." Reopen Outlook.

References

• Microsoft Outlook 2010: Introduction to Outlook Data Files
• Microsoft Outlook 2010: Move an Outlook Data File to a Different Folder
• Microosft Outlook 2007: Open, Change, or Close Outlook Data Files
• Microsoft Outlook 2003: Move Your Outlook Data File to Another Location