Backing Up MS Outlook PST

“Hi, my Outlook got corrupted recently and I somehow managed to overcome the disaster by using previously taken backup. I don't know what went wrong, I can't access my backed up PST files. Now I need to know is there any simple way to backup Outlook PST file frequently. Please help me out!!!”

If you experience this kind of situation then you will empathize the loss of saved mails, contacts, attachments and other attributes. However, for those who prefer email client as MS Outlook on standalone computer, here are few manual ways listed to create backup of your Outlook data easily.

Method 1: Copy PST file manually

The PST file can be accessed as follows: Open Outlook application → File → Data File Management → select the Data File tab. Now choose your personal folder and click on Open Folder. After locating the file, copy-paste it to any safe drive.

To restore information, open Outlook program → File → Open → Outlook Data File and browse for backup location and select the file. In case if you get any error, right click and deselect ‘Read Only’ attributes in Properties tab of PST file.

Method2: Relocating Outlook PST file

To change Outlook PST file default location, Firstly Close Outlook application and locate PST file through default path C:/Documents and Settings/%username%/Local Settings/Application Data/Microsoft/Outlook/. Now copy it to another location. When prompt comes up, restart your Outlook and use browse button to direct Outlook to new location. You can update any wizard rules that you have customized with new path.

Method3: Using PERSONAL FOLDER BACKUP Add-in

MS Outlook add-in, Personal Folder Backup, saves us few mouse clicks. It easily creates backup copies of PST file regularly to designated location. Now browse for File -> Backup. The Option Setting in the tool allows you to select the frequency of backups, files to backup and also its location. This personal folder backup add-in is supported only for Outlook 2003 and 2007.

If none of these ways work out, opt for any reliable third party Outlook PST backup software.

Prominent tool to backup PST file:

Yodot Backup Outlook PST utility can take backup of Outlook PST file on various versions of Windows computer. It can automatically backup personal folder file at given time and date easily. Using this product user can individually backup Outlook emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, rules, alerts, address book, Profile settings, etc. This tool helps you to backup and restore Outlook PST file, only by using pro version you can move Outlook Profiles between two desktops or two versions of Outlook application. It can backup PST file from different versions of Microsoft Outlook like 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 and Office 365. The software is compatible to backup Outlook personal folder on Windows desktop running with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

How to use the software?

• First of all download Yodot Backup Outlook PST program on Windows computer and install it
• After launching the tool, wait for main screen to show three options – ‘Backup’, ‘Restore’ and ‘Migrate’
• Click on ‘Backup’ option and next window comes up with two sub options called 'Smart Backup' and 'Advance Backup'
• Choose ‘Smart Backup’ option to backup entire PST data along with Profile settings otherwise select ‘Advance Backup’ option and choose required items that should be considered for backup
• Mention destination location to save this backup file and finish the process