Re: Restoring an Outlook pst backup file

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You haven't provided enough information for anyone to help you. If you read
any of the posts here, you would know that importing is never the correct
way to transfer Outlook data. You just open the file in Outlook.
State more clearly how you created this file (let's hope it was not by
exporting) and what happens when you try to open the file in Outlook.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
"Misha" <Mi...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B603F05F-0591-464E...@microsoft.com...
>I backed up my personal folders file in order to import it into Outlook
>2007.
> However, I cannot seem to import it into Outlook 2007. I tried to import
> it
> as a personal folders pst file, but ntohing got upgraded. I have done this
> many times before successfully, so am wondering what I am doing wrong now.
> Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

[K. Orland]

I would also ask what version of Outlook was the PST file created using?
--
Kathleen Orland
Outlook Tips: http://www.outlook-tips.net/
http://www.howto-outlook.com/

[Misha]

I created the file using the backup tool which I downloaded from the MS site.
I was using Outlook 2007. I have tried to open the file in Outlook 2007, but
nothing happens.

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

There is more to this story. How are you trying to open this file and what
happens when you try? Why do you even need to restore from backup in the
first place.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
"Misha" <Mi...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:851A83E9-D379-4794...@microsoft.com...

[Misha]

Outlook 2007

[K. Orland]

Then I would ask the same questions Russ is asking so that further
troubleshooting can be done.

[John9210]

Russ:
I'm new at this, but I'm interested in knowing why importing is never the
correct way to transfer Outlook data, especially with the MS Folders Backup
Tool which I'm still learning to use.

I've found that if I use the File/Open command to restore a backup, the
process creates a second Personal folder (since I already have one) in
Outlook. This new folder is reading the backup file. Hence, the backup file
must always be in its original location when you use Outlook (or the path
would be different and lots of error messages occur). I don't think this is a
good way to restore backup data from a memory stick since the memory stick
would always have to be in place when you use Outlook.

This would not be necessary if the data were imported into the program. The
new messages and contacts would be added the existing Personal Folder, and
default pst files in Docs & Settings would be updated upon exiting Outlook.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists

Opening a PST file will preserve all of these. That is why we do not advise
people to import a native file into Outlook.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
"John9210" <John...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:DD647191-4EF7-4FAE...@microsoft.com...

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Also, in later versions, importing an entire PST file creates a second
"ghost" PST file which cannot be closed.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
"John9210" <John...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:DD647191-4EF7-4FAE...@microsoft.com...

[John9210]

Ok, I see the problems with importing. But, again, I have that problem using
File/open. Wouldn't it be better to replace the pst files in Docs & Settings
with the backup files? This way, I don't need to keep the Memory Stick in the
USB drive.
___________________________________________________________________

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Very bad idea. That is a sure fire method for corrupting your profile and
possible even your data. None of the assumptions you made in your first post
is correct.
Outlook can open a PST file from any location on your hard drive. What makes
you think it can't? Of course that opens a second data file in Outlook.
That's what you are intending to do. Once you open that file, you can copy
what you need from it into your new file, or reset Outlook to use your old
file, then close the new one.
Take a look at these pages for info on Outlook data backup or transfer:
http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm
http://www.howto-outlook.com/Howto/backupandrestore.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
"John9210" <John...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:655BB678-8616-41DA...@microsoft.com...