Microsoft Outlook questions

[koster]

Transferring data from an old PC to a new one - (Office 2007)

You can use the "export" function in Outlook and then "import" on the new computer.

Alternatively you can just copy the .pst file and import it.

Is there any reason to use the export function, which seems to take longer?

Also, am I right in thinking that once imported, you can delete/remove the file you imported? In other words you could export to a .pst on a memory stick/CD/network location, but once imported you wouldn't need that location to be available.

[Buenchico]

I don't use Outlook but, when I've transferred my Outlook Express files from one PC to another I've always simply copied the dbx files (which are the equivalent of Outlook's pst files) from one PC to the other.

To do so, I've simply run a search (on the 'old' PC) for *.dbx and copied all the files to external media. (I use CDs but a memory stick would be just as good). Then I've run a similar search on the 'new' PC and right-clicked on any file, selecting 'Open containing folder'. I've just 'dragged and dropped' the files from the CD into that folder (and clicked 'Yes' when asked if I want to over-write the existing files).

The only advantage (that I can think of) with using the 'export' feature is that it adds old files to the new PC's folders, rather than overwriting the existing folders. If you've not used Outlook Express (or Outlook) before transferring the old files it makes no difference either way but, if you'd already got some mail in your Inbox (and/or other folders), on the new PC, before doing the transfer, you'll lose all of the new mail.

Chris

[Buenchico]

PS: I've just realised that I've not directly answered the last part of your question. As is probably fairly evident, I can throw away the 'transfer' CD (or you can wipe your memory stick) after the transfer has been completed.

Chris

[ChuckFickens]

the import and export function is there for people who can't figure out how to find the PST file.

Assuming it is a fresh install on the new computer then personally wouldn't use either, just make a copy of the PST file, put it on the new computer then point the new outlook at the PST file you've just copied over and job done.

And yes, once you've done with the file on the media you used to copy it over it is no longer required.

[koster]

Thanks...

But if you *do* use the import feature, can you delete the source file?

In other words, if I save the export file in a network location stick, do I need to copy the .pst from the network location to the hard drive, or can I just import and then delete the file on the network?

In other words, does importing put the data from export.pst into the existing Outlook.pst?

[Buenchico]

Import direct from wherever you like. Then delete the source file.

Chris

[camioneur]

chuck...

"the import and export function is there for people who can't figure out how to find the PST file. "

the import export feature allows you to have 2 or more pst files in outlook running at the same time.

I'm not convinced you could do that having found the pst file with a view to copy and paste but I'm willing to learn? Where would you pate it if you wanted to use 2 Outlook data files in the same Outlook running together and at the same time?

[ChuckFickens]

camioneur,

I did say "Assuming it is a fresh install on the new computer"

as in there are no existing mails on the computer, obviously if there are mails on the computer all ready then pointing outlook to use a totally new PST file will "loose" the mails from outlook.

[koster]

Thanks everyone.