The default saving location of Outlook data files (.PST/.OST) in Windows is on the disk C if you haven’t changed it. If huge amounts of data are saved in your Outlook data files, they will occupy your system drive and may make your system run slowly so that you may want to change your Outlook data file location from the default C disk to another location. Now, this post will show you how to change the data file location in Outlook 2016 for Windows. Part 1: How to change the data file (.PST) location in Outlook 2016By default, the Outlook PST files are saved in ”C: UsersUsernameDocumentsOutlook Files”. To change the location, do as follows. Step 1: Make sure that Outlook 2016 is closed and the PST files are not opened in any other program/software. Step 2: Locate the ”DocumentsOutlook Files” folder. Press Ctrl + A to select all the PST files and move them to your desired folder. Then clear the PST files in the ”DocumentsOutlook Files” folder. Step 3: Start Outlook 2016. You will get a warning message that says yours PST file cannot be found. Click OK to close the message. Step 4: It will display an ”Create/Open Outlook Data File” dialog. Through the dialog, navigate to the new path you have specified for the Outlook 2016 data files (.PST), then select any one of the PST files, and click Open. This will tell Outlook 2016 the saving location of the data files (.PST) has been changed to the new location. And later on, PST files created in Outlook 2016 will be saved in the new location. Part 2: How to change the data file (.OST) location in Outlook 2016By default, Outlook OST files are saved in ”C: UsersUsernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook”. To change it, do as follows. Step 1: Make sure that Outlook 2016 is closed and the OST files are not opened in any other program/software. Step 2: Open Registry Editor by running regedit in Run (Win + R) dialog box. Step 3: Navigate to the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0Outlook, then right-click on any blank area of the right-side pane and then select New -> Expandable String Value. Step 4: Name the newly created expandable string value as ForceOSTPath, and then double click on it. On the ”Edit String” dialog, enter your desired path under the ”Value data” box and then click OK. This will change the old/default location of Outlook 2016 data file (.OST) to the new location. Step 5: Close Registry Editor and restart the computer for the changes to take effect. Note: The location of Outlook 2016 data file (.OST) is changed, and all new OST files to be created will be saved in the new location, but it won’t change the location of the existing OST files. Outlook saves backup information in a variety of different locations. Depending on what type of account you have, you can back up your emails, your personal address book, your navigation pane settings, your signatures, templates, and more. If you're using a Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, or Outlook.com account, your email messages are backed up on your email server. In most cases, you won't have a Personal Folders file (.pst) for these types of accounts. In order to view some of the backup files for Outlook, you'll need to unhide system folders and file name extensions. For information on how to perform that task, see How to unhide folders and file name extensions.
Newer versionsOffice 2007 - 2010
Backup information for Office 365, Exchange, or Outlook.com accountsFor Office 365 accounts, Exchange accounts, or Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, or Live.com accounts not accessed by POP or IMAP, you won't have a Personal Folders (.pst) file. You may have an Offline Folders (.ost) file, but that file is automatically recreated by Outlook when you add a new email account. You can't move that file from one computer to another. For Office 365 accounts, Exchange accounts, or Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, or Live.com accounts not accessed by POP or IMAP, the following information can be transferred from one computer to another. Navigation Pane settingsYou can find these settings in one of the following locations: Microsoft word 2007 key code free.
Print stylesYou can find the Outlprnt file in one of the following locations:
SignaturesYou can find the various files that make up your Outlook signatures in one of the following locations:
StationeryStationery can be stored in two different locations depending on whether you have the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Outlook installed. You can find the various files that make up your Outlook stationery in one of the following locations:
Custom formsYou can find the various files that make up your custom Outlook forms in one of the following locations:
DictionaryYour custom dictionary files are stored in one of two places: Kerry lewis toni braxton husband lyrics. Keri Lewis is an American Singer and songwriter, famous for being part of the R&B band “Mint Condition” and ex-husband of the famous Singer Toni Braxton. Keri Lewis has not been linked with any other partner after Toni. Keri Lewis and his ex-wife Toni Braxton got married on 21st April 2001. Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis’s kids: Diezel Key Braxton-Lewis and Denim Cole Braxton Lewis.
TemplatesAny Outlook templates you've created are stored in one of two places. Templates will have an .oft extension.
Send/Receive settingsYour send and receive settings include which accounts are checked at what frequency. You can find your send and receive settings file in one of the following locations. The file will have an .srs extension.
Email, calendar, contact, and task information for POP and IMAP accountsIf you have a POP or IMAP account, all of your information is already stored in a Personal Folders (.pst) file. You can move this file to a new computer and retain your information. Moving a .pst file from one computer to another doesn't transfer your email account settings. If you need to set up Outlook on a new computer, copy your .pst file from the old computer, then set up your email account on your new computer. You can then open the .pst file from the new computer. The location of your .pst file depends on your version of Outlook, your version of Windows, and how you set up your account or created the .pst file. You can find your .pst file in one of the following locations:
Tip: If your Outlook Data File (.pst) becomes large it can slow down your OneDrive sync and may show 'Processing changes' or 'A file is in use'. Learn How to remove an Outlook .pst data file from OneDrive. Note: Your configuration might not include all of these files as some are created only when you customize Outlook features. Can't find the folders?Some of the folders might be hidden folders. To display hidden folders in Windows, do the following:
Outlook Data File (.pst)Outlook Data Files (.pst) contain your e-mail messages, calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes. You must use Outlook to work with the items in a .pst file. When you archive Outlook information, items are saved in a .pst files. Notes:
How to identify the name and location of your personal folders fileMicrosoft Outlook 2010
Outlook Data Files (.pst) created by using Outlook 2010 are saved on your computer in the DocumentsOutlook Files folder. If you are using Windows XP, these files are created in the My DocumentsOutlook Files folder. Tip: If your Outlook Data File (.pst) becomes large it can slow down your OneDrive sync and may show 'Processing changes' or 'A file is in use'. Learn How to remove an Outlook .pst data file from OneDrive. If you upgraded to Outlook 2010 on a computer that already had data files created in previous versions of Outlook, these files are saved in a different location in a hidden folder. Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Tip: For information about hidden folders in Windows, see Windows Help and Support. Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
5. Click Close, click OK, and then click Exit and Log Off on the File menu to quit Outlook. How to copy your personal folders file
For more information about how to copy a file or folder, follow these steps:
How to point Outlook to your new personal folders fileMicrosoft Outlook 2010
You have changed the default deliver location for your e-mail. This will change the location of your Inbox, Calendar, and other folders. These changes will take effect the next time you start Outlook. 9. Click OK. 10. Click the .pst file that was identified in the 'How to Identify the Name and Location of Your Personal Folder File' section, and then click Remove to remove the local .pst file from your profile. 11. Click Yes, click Close, and then click OK to close all dialog boxes. 12. On the File menu, click Exit. 13. Restart Outlook. Your profile now points to your .pst file in the new location. Outlook opens your new .pst file, and you can now delete the .pst file from its old location. Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
You have changed the default deliver location for your e-mail. This will change the location of your Inbox, Calendar, and other folders. These changes will take effect the next time you start Outlook. 9. Click OK. 10. Click the .pst file that was identified in the 'How to identify the name and location of your personal folder file' section, and then click Remove to remove the local .pst file from your profile. 11. Click Yes, click Close, and then click OK to close all dialog boxes. 12. On the File menu, click Exit. 13. Restart Outlook. If the .pst is your default delivery location, you will receive the following message: The location that messages are delivered to has changed for this user profile. To complete this operation, you may need to copy the contents of the old Outlook folders to the new Outlook folders. For information about how to complete the change of your mail delivery location, see Microsoft Outlook Help. Some of the shortcuts on the Outlook Bar may no longer work. Do you want Outlook to recreate your shortcuts? All shortcuts you have created will be removed. Click Yes to have Outlook update the Outlook Bar shortcuts so that they point to your new .pst file location, or click No to leave the shortcuts for your original local .pst file. Your profile now points to your .pst file in the new location. Outlook opens your new .pst file, and you can now delete the .pst file from its old location. File (.ost)The .ost file is synchronized with the items on the server that runs Exchange. Because your data remains on the Exchange server, you can re-create this .ost file on your new computer without having to back up the .ost file. Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Personal Address Book (.pab)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Note: Personal Address Books (.pab) are not supported in Outlook 2010. When you upgrade to Outlook 2010, you are prompted to import any .pab file into Contacts. If you choose not to import the .pab file when you first run Outlook 2010, you can import it later by using the Import command in the Microsoft Office Backstage view. Offline Address Book (.oab)The Offline Address Book (.oab) is used by Microsoft Exchange Server accounts. It contains information, such as names, e-mail address, titles, and office locations, from the Global Address List (GAL) on the server that runs Exchange. You do not have to back up or restore this file. This is file is created and updated automatically. Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Navigation Pane settings (.xml)This file includes information about the contents of the Navigation Pane. Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingOutlookprofile name.xml Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookprofile name.xml Registered Microsoft Exchange extensions (.dat)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Outlook Contacts Auto-Complete ListThe Auto-Complete List is a feature that displays suggestions for names and e-mail addresses as you begin to type them. These suggestions are possible matches from a list of names and e-mail addresses from the e-mail messages that you have sent. In Outlook 2007, the Auto-Complete List file (.nk2) is stored in the following locations: Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook In Outlook 2010, the Auto-Complete List file (.nk2) is discontinued. The Auto-Complete List entries are now saved in your Microsoft Exchange Server mailbox or in the Outlook Data File (.pst) for your account. Exchange Server accountsIf you are using an Exchange Server account, your Auto-Complete List is saved in your mailbox on the server that runs Exchange. This enables your Auto-Complete List to be used from any computer that you use Outlook with your Exchange account. How can I tell if I have a Microsoft Exchange Server account? Click the File tab. Click Account Settings, and then click Account Settings. On the E-mail tab, the list of accounts indicates the type of each account. POP3 accountsThe Auto-Complete List is saved in the Outlook Data File (.pst). See the section Find and transfer Outlook data files from one computer to another for location information. IMAP and Outlook.com accountsThe Auto-Complete List is saved in the Outlook Data File (.pst). The Outlook Data Files (.pst) for these account types differ from other Outlook Data Files (.pst) in Outlook. These files are used as copies of information on your mail server account and not intended to be moved or restored. A new Outlook Data File (.pst) is created when you configure an IMAP or an Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) account in a different Outlook profile or on another computer. Your Auto-Complete List, therefore, is unique to the computer and profile where the account is set up and the entries do not appear in any other profile or computer that you use. Rules (.rwz)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Note: If you upgraded to Outlook 2010 from a version of Outlook earlier than Microsoft Outlook 2002, you might have an .rwz file on your computer's hard disk drive. The .rwz file is no longer needed, and the information about rules is now kept on the server running Microsoft Exchange, and in the Outlook Data File (.pst) for POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts. You can delete the file. If you use the Rules Import and Export feature, the default location for .rwz files is your Documents folder. Print styles (Outlprnt with no extension)Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Signatures (.rtf, .txt, .htm)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftSignatures Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftSignatures Stationery (.htm)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedStationery Windows 7 and Windows Vista 64-bit with Outlook 2010 32-bit drive:Program Files (x86)Common FilesMicrosoft SharedStationery Windows XP drive:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedStationery Custom formsWindows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftForms Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftForms Dictionary (.dic)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftUProof Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftUProof Templates (.oft)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftTemplates Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftTemplates Send/Receive settings (.srs)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserAppDataRoamingMicrosoftOutlook Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Message (.msg, .htm, .rtf)Windows 7 and Windows Vista drive:UsersuserDocuments Windows XP drive:Documents and SettingsuserMy Documents How to unhide folders and file name extensionsSome of the folders might be hidden folders, and Windows might have file name extensions (such as .pst, .ost, .pab) turned off. To show hidden folders and file name extensions, do the following:
I'm using Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and Office 365/2016 Personal. Both up-to-date with all the latest updates. I am using Outlook as my email client to connect via pop3 to my email provider. I noticed that the default location for the data (.pst) file is within my Documents Folder - this was of no consequence to me until..I set up OneDrive and linked my Documents Folder to it. All the files uploaded to OneDrive successfully, but the next time I opened Outlook, it wouldn't work - as it was still looking for the original data file location within (my username)/Documents location. 'Ok', I thought..I'll move the data file out of my Documents Folder..but even though it allowed me to move it, Outlook wouldn't accept the new location as a valid one. 'Ok' I thought (again), I'll use the Contact Support App and ask an expert..I spoke with one who said 'Of course it's possible to move the data file', so I allowed him access to my Laptop, he did exactly what I had done and then said 'hmmmm' when it didn't work for him too! So..I am asking here - is it possible to move it without it affecting Outlook - and if so, how? And if the answer is 'No', my second question would be 'How do I sync my Documents Folder to OneDrive?' Most people know that Outlook stores email for each account in a personal table storage (PST) file, but figuring out where that file is located depends on what version of Outlook you’re using. Here’s where Outlook stores your files and how you can move them if you need to. Outlook is still one of the best desktop email clients for Windows and is the de facto client in most businesses that use a Microsoft Exchange email server. Outlook also works well for personal use. It always provided good support for regular POP3 and IMAP accounts, but has also made a lot of progress in recent years at playing well with email services like Gmail and Outlook.com. It also provides a solid calendar and reminder system that are well integrated. Most of the time, you won’t need to bother with where your Outlook data files are located. But if you want to ensure the files are getting backed up or you want to move them to another hard drive to save space, here’s how to find and work with them. What Is a PST file?If you’ve used Outlook for any length of time, you’ve likely heard of PST files. Each email account you set up in Outlook gets its own database in the form of a personal storage table (PST) file, where emails, calendar items, contacts, and reminders are all stored. The data in a PST file may or may not be compressed and encrypted, depending on your settings.You may notice that Outlook slows down as more data is stored in your PST file. Occasionally, Outlook will offer to archive your old emails to help alleviate this problem and just so that you have fewer old items to wade through as you go about your day. You may also notice files with an .ost extension in your Outlook data folder. OST files are the same format as PST, but are generally used as temporary offline storage of email for Exchange servers and for webmail hosts such as Gmail and Outlook.com. The idea is that you can still interact with the messages stored in the OST file when you are disconnected from the email server–such as when you have no internet–and then when you reconnect to the server again, Outloook syncs everything up. This means your data will be stored in a PST file if you’re using a standard POP3 or IMAP account, or an Exchange account where offline storage is not configured. Gmail, Outlook.com, and other webmail hosts will get an OST file instead. Exchange accounts may even use both an OST file for offline access and a PST file for data backup. Where Are My PST and OST Files Saved?Where Outlook saves your data files depends on the version of Outlook you’re running. By default, Outlook 2007 and 2010 store PST files in your AppData folder at the following location: Outlook also stores all OST files in that same AppData location, regardless of what Outlook version you’re running. Starting with Outlook 2013, the location of PST files moved to the Documents folder. Outlook 2013 and 2016 now store PST files at the following location: You can also find out exactly where the PST file for an email account is stored from within Outlook. In Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016, click the “File” menu, choose the “Account Settings” dropdown menu, and then click “Account Settings.” In Outlook 2007, you’ll find the “Account Settings” option on the “Tools” menu. In the “Account Settings” window, on the “Data Files” tab, select the account you want to investigate and then click the “Open File Location” button. Outlook will open a File Explorer window showing the folder containing your PST file (or OST file if you selected an account that uses one). How Can I Move My PST File?If you’d like to move your Outlook files off your primary hard drive, or just place your Outlook files in a more manageable location, there is a way. However, you can’t simply move them to a new location using File Explorer. If you try, Outlook will just create a new PST file in its default location and you may lose access to some of what’s stored in your real PST. Instead, you’ll need to dive briefly into the Windows Registry to change the default location where Outlook stores data files, and then move your existing PST file in File Explorer. Standard warning: Registry Editor is a powerful tool and misusing it can render your system unstable or even inoperable. This is a pretty simple hack and as long as you stick to the instructions, you shouldn’t have any problems. That said, if you’ve never worked with it before, consider reading about how to use the Registry Editor before you get started. And definitely back up the Registry (and your computer!) before making changes. Start by making sure that Outlook is not running. Then, open the Registry Editor by hitting Start and typing “regedit.” Press Enter to open Registry Editor and give it permission to make changes to your PC. In the Registry Editor, use the left sidebar to navigate one of the following keys, depending on what version of Outlook you have: Next, you’ll create a new value inside that Double-click the new You can now exit Registry Editor. Outlook should now create new PST files in the location you specified and you can also now use File Explorer to drag the PST file from your old location to the new one. When you reopen Outlook, everything should continue working as before. Whether you’re a professional with years of emails in Outlook or a personal user that wants to backup their Gmail account offline, Outlook is a standard tool of many of our daily lives. Now you know a bit more about your Outlook data files and what you can do with them. With today’s massive inbox sizes, your PST files can often be some of your larger personal data files, but the methods shown in this article can help you store your data files where you want. Outlook stores your email (and attachments), calendar and contacts together in one file that uses the extension 'PST'. Unless you tell Outlook to use a different pst stored somewhere else, Outlook creates the *.pst under your Windows user account directory.
In Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2013, the default *.pst location for POP3 accounts in new profiles is My DocumentOutlook Files. If you upgraded to Outlook 2010 or 2013 and kept the old profile, the *.pst file is not moved. IMAP and Outlook Hotmail Connector data files remain in the local appdata microsoftoutlook folder.
If Outlook is open, you can open Windows Explorer to the pst location from the File, Data File Management menu. (File, Account settings, Data files tab in Outlook 2010 or 2013.) Select the PST and click Open folder. You can close the Data File Management dialog (and Outlook, if desired) once Windows Explorer is open. Windows 7/8 and Vista:If you are using Windows 7, 8 or Vista, the default location for the PST is C:UsersusernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlook Instead of browsing for the folders, you can copy or type the following lines into Windows Explorer address bar or in the Start menu's search folder and press Enter to open Explorer to the correct folder. (This method does not require you to change the Hidden Files and Folders setting.) In Windows 7/8 or Vista, use this shortcut to access the pst file and other files in the local app data folder: %localappdata%MicrosoftOutlook Outlook support files (xml, srs, outlprnt, VBA, etc): Other Outlook files, like the Navigation pane customization file (*.xml), toolbar customization file (outcmd.dat), send and receive customizations (*.srs), and print customizations (outlprnt) are at Windows 10 Pst File LocationC:UsersusernameAppDataRoamingMicrosoftOutlook To access the folder holding the toolbar, Outlprnt, VBA, navigation pane, and nickname files in Windows 7/8 or Vista, use the following shortcut line: %appdata%MicrosoftOutlook Windows XP or Windows 2000:Import Pst To Windows 10 MailIf you are using Windows XP or Windows 2000, the files are in the following locations: C:Documents and SettingsusernameLocal SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook To see the PST files in Windows XP, paste this line on the address bar of Windows Explorer: %USERPROFILE%Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook Outlook support files (xml, srs, outlprnt, VBA, etc): The folder holding the toolbar, Outlprnt, VBA, rules, and nickname files is C:Documents and SettingsusernameApplication DataMicrosoftOutlook You can use the following shortcut in the Windows Explorer address bar in Windows XP: %USERPROFILE%Application DataMicrosoftOutlook Searching for the filesBy default, Windows hides a lot of files and folders, including these files. In order to find hidden files using Search, you need to use the Advanced search option to search all hidden files and folders and all system files. (Windows XP search shown in screenshot; for Vista, choose Advanced Search in the search results window.) In Win 7 and 8, open Windows explorer and type the file name in the Search field on the right. Browsing for the files:To browse for the pst using Windows Explorer, you need to show all hidden files and folders. To show all hidden files and folders in Windows 8, look on the View ribbon in Windows Explorer and add a check to Hidden items. To show all hidden files and folders in Windows 7 or Vista, open Windows Explorer and click on the Organize button on the left, then select Folder and Search Options from the menu. In Windows XP, open Windows Explorer and go to it's Tools, Folder Options menu. Click on the View tab and change the settings to show all hidden files and folders. After changing the setting, you can use Windows Explorer to navigate to your user folder then to the folder containing the files. Windows 98/MEWindows 98/ME store the files in a different location but they are not hidden, so Search (Find) will find them or you can browse for them using Windows Explorer. On Windows 98/ME without individual user logins, look for: C:WindowsApplication Data On a Windows 98 system with individual user logins, look for C:WindowsProfilesuser nameApplication Data C:WindowsProfilesuser nameLocal SettingsApplication Data More InformationMore information about the files Outlook uses and where it puts them them is at Outlook & Exchange/Windows Messaging Backup and Dual-Boot (Outlook 2000/2002/2003) Published December 1, 2005. Last updated on May 5, 2017. Related posts:Comments are closed.
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