I Need Computer Help with MS Outlook

[savedbygrace]

I need some advice and help. I just got slammed by a misbehaving app's installer and my WinXP box crashed hard.

I've gotten everything back up, except for one vitally important item. When I started MS Outlook, it could not open my Default pst file. That, of course, has my Calendar and tons of saved email messages.

The last backup I did was 9/26/02, so I've only lost 9 days, but if there's a way to restore the more current, but corrupted, pst file, I'd sure like to do it. Everytime I move that pst back to the Default location, Outlook says it cannot access the pst.

The system is a P3-733, 512MB RAM, WinXP Pro, Office XP Pro.

Computer geniuses - what can I do? I'm ready to provide any other info you need to be able to help me. If it's a lost cause, I'll accept that.

Thanks.

[tubebender]

This brain dead 69 year old can't help you but I love these threads. It keeps me "young"...

Good luck.

[savedbygrace]

Thanks, you've helped bump it for me.

[BuddhaBoy]

This can be tricky.

The default location for your PST file is: C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR PROFILE NAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook .

However, unless you have your folders set to show hidden files and folders, you will never see the local settings folder when you go to place the pst file, because it is a hidden folder.

Make sure under "Tools\Folder Options\View, you have "Show hidden files and folders selected. Then place the PST file in the above location, and not in Application Data folder directly under your profile name.

[sigSEGV]

Don't know if this will help.

http://asia.cnet.com/itmanager/netadmin/0,39006400,39048330,00.htm

[mass55th]

Oh dear...another Windows call for help!

[big'ol_freeper]

This will fix your problem.

[SlickWillard]

> The last backup I did was 9/26/02, so I've only lost 9 days, but if there's a way to restore the more current, but corrupted, pst file, I'd sure like to do it. Everytime I move that pst back to the Default location, Outlook says it cannot access the pst. Try a manual import of the file. In Outlook:

File | Import and Export | Internet Mail and Addresses

In Outlook Express:

File | Import | Messages...

You might have to fiddle around with things. For instance, you might have to first import to Outlook Express [from Outlook], and then back to Outlook [from Outlook Express]. You also might have to create another user, and use that user as an intermediary for the import [or double import]. My bet would be that if you fiddle around enough, you can salvage the info.

PS: Make multiple backups before you begin!!!

[for-q-clinton]

http://www.exchangeadmin.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=13704

[SlickWillard]

The last backup I did was 9/26/02, so I've only lost 9 days, but if there's a way to restore the more current, but corrupted, pst file, I'd sure like to do it. Everytime I move that pst back to the Default location, Outlook says it cannot access the pst.

Try a manual import of the file. In Outlook:

File | Import and Export | Internet Mail and Addresses

In Outlook Express:

File | Import | Messages...

You might have to fiddle around with things. For instance, you might have to first import to Outlook Express [from Outlook], and then back to Outlook [from Outlook Express]. You also might have to create another user, and use that user as an intermediary for the import [or double import]. My bet would be that if you fiddle around enough, you can salvage the info.

PS: Make multiple backups before you begin!!!

[for-q-clinton]

Wow, Mac OSX has an email client that is better than outlook? What's it called? Why is it better?

Or are you just being stupid?

[rdb3]

I'm far better helping folks in Win9x/NT/2K/XP if I'm in front of the box. So tell you what. Since I can't see your machine, go to www.annoyances.org to see if there is a similar problem there. And, no, this URL isn't just about a "slap" to Microsoft.

The very beginning of the site states:

"Annoyances.org is the most complete collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Microsoft Windows."

Hope it helps.

[big'ol_freeper]

Well genius, I'll let you figure that out for yourself. I use Outlook at work and the email program built in to Mac OS X which is called...surprise...Mail, at home. Unless you have experience with both I guess that makes you stupid...or more accurately ignorant.

[SamAdams76]

Just IMPORT from your backup.pst. Make sure you check the box "INCLUDE SUBFOLDERS" and point the import to the root ("Outlook Today -Personal Folders").

[krb]

How are you doing your backups? Are you using the "archive" feature, or are you archiving and exporting on a regular basis?

[LibKill]

I don't know the answer, but I just pinged a bunch of geeks who do.

[BuddhaBoy]

If your mail program is so great, why then would Apple go out of business without Microsoft Office? I think you need to calm down, dear.

[PFKEY]

Some very sound advice.

I've used this site for years. From 95 to XP.

After Freerepublic I'd list this as the best place to go on the internet.

[BuddhaBoy]

The best way to back up Outlook

[Wright Wing]

I'd have to agree with Slick. Try to import the file from your backup which will create a new pst on your hard drive.

How did you get everything back up and running? Did you do a System Restore(which would have been best) or did you just reload some apps? Anyway, pst files do become corrupt easily based on their size and the types of files that are stored as attachments. Good luck...