Outlook XP Backup

Hi. I intend to put into action the backup capability in Outlook XP. Will it backup everything acumulated in the personal folders like mails, atachments, contacts, etc. , or will it begin backing up only new stuff after activation of the backup program.
Also, asuming that the backup file is in a PST format, how can I read the files inthe backup folder?
My computer runs Windows XP Pro SP3.
Thanks, Joseph.

 

Mind if I make a suggestion here? Rather than use PST Backup why not use one of the free synchronisation programs, such as Microsoft's SyncToy? This would not only do exactly what PST Backup does, but would also enable you to keep synchronised copies of any other folders that are important to you, and can be run automatically to a schedule.

An excellent alternative to Synctoy is GoodSync, which shows on MG as Shareware but if you don't abuse it it runs as freeware.

 

Thanks to Earthling and Halo. Will try the SyncToy or GoodSync.
Thanks for the fast and quick response.
Joseph.

 

Just a small point with these sync programs - you cannot choose a single file to sync, it has to be a folder. If you don't want to sync the entire folder where your pst files are you could create a new one and locate them there.

 

Oh My ! You just answered the question that I was about to ask: The Outlook files in the backup drive are .pst , so that I can not read them. Now I can see why.
And yet: in the backup folder are now 3 files:
Extended DAT file 2KB
Outlook 71,921KB
SyncToy_6148f49d-e11a-4cc DAT File, 1KB

Which do I import when the need will come? All?

Many Big Thanks, Joseph.

 

Should the need arise you would reinstall Outlook and import the Outlook.pst file. In fact you don't even need to import it, as you could simply copy and paste the backup file to wherever you want to keep and use it. IMO the M$ default location for the pst file is crazy, so I keep mine in My Documents.

I don't understand why you would expect the backup file to be readable outside of Outlook when the original isn't.

 

Hi. What you just told me is very interesting. This whole thing started because I wanted, for one reason or another, to be able to read my Outlook backup files. For quite some time I am using the built-in backup feature in Outlook to backup it to D:/ . Same for the favorites. In adition I backup my entire computer periodically to an external drive.
Considering all factors- I think that I do not have much to complain.
Have to learn more about the SyncToy. May put it to use.
Thank you all for the great help.
Joseph.