An overview of Personal Folder [PST] files
Personal Folder files [also known as PST files] are used by Microsoft Outlook to store all of the information which is shown within the main Outlook display - including email, Outlook Contacts, Outlook Calendar, tasks, etc.
Note: if you are operating in a corporate environment that utilizes Microsoft Exchange, then your personal data is usually located within the Exchange server data base. You may, however, also have a Personal Folder file stored locally on your own machine. If you use Exchange and do not have a local Personal Folder - then the balance of the notes below are not applicable to you.
Points to note:
- Most Outlook users have a single Personal Folder which shows in Outlook as "Outlook Today". You may, however have any number of Personal Folders (and hence any number of PST files).
- Outlook 2002 (Outlook XP) and all earlier versions, have a strict limit of 2gb per Personal Folder file. Outlook 2003 and 2007 PST files do not have this limitation.
- Outlook 2003 and 2007 can use PST files from prior versions of Outlook, but Outlook 2002 (and earlier versions) can not use Outlook 2003/2007 type PST files.
- Care must be taken when transferring the older format PST files to Outlook 2003/2007. If it is done improperly, then all data will be duplicated.
- The Outlook PST files are located in various places -- depending upon the version of Windows in-use at the time. With Outlook 2003/2007 it is simple to see the current location using the menu "File" - "Data File Management".
The PST files (like any file) are subject to corruption and data loss. Hence, if your data is important to you, then it is wise to make a backup copy. The Personal Folder files can be saved manually, but it is much easier and much safer to use the OutBack Plus utility.
A fully functional evaluation version of OutBack Plus is available for download.
Works with Windows 7, Vista, 2003, XP, Media Center, 2000, ME and 98