The other Day I received a call from a user asking, “How do I correctly backup my Microsoft Outlook.”  Good question.  Here are the steps for Outlook 2003 and 2007.

1.  Open Outlook

2.  Click on “File” and then click “Import and Export”

3.  Choose the option “Export to a File” and click “Next”

4.  Choose “Personal Folders File”

5.  The following screen will show you all of your Outlook Folders.  Choose the uppermost Folder useually called “Mailbox” or “Personal Folders” and highlight it.  Then check the box to “Include sub folders” and Click “Next”

6.  The next step asks you where you want to save the file.  I suggest you choose a location off of your main PC such as a jump drive.  Select the drive of your choice and click next.

7.  The computer will then export all of your outlook contents to the location you selected as one personal folders file.

Should you need to restore from this file, just follow the process in reverse.