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Microsoft Outlook XP 2002 or 2003 user? There's a program called Outsource-XP which is great to backup all of your Outlook information. It backs up your emails, settings, email accounts, templates, address book, etc. - just about everything you would use Outlook for! It's a really cool program if you are switching computers, reformatting, or just want to keep backups on hand. I use it and recommend it. It's made by TotalIdea and available from for about $25.

Another similar program is called the Outlook Express Backup Genie and is available at http://www.amicutilities.com/outlook-express-backup/ for $30. I've never tried this program but it looks promising. As opposed to Outsource-XP, this proggie backs up mail from a variety of email clients, not just Outlook. Plus, it includes an automatic scheduler so you never miss a backup. However, unlike Outsource-XP, only mail is backed up.

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Good suggestions from several members (, , , , ) about using backup utilities — those tools are convenient. For readers who want to understand what a tool actually touches (or who prefer manual control), below is a concise, practical checklist and a few safe, year‑proof steps to back up and restore Outlook (and Outlook Express) data reliably.

Find and copy the Outlook data file (.pst) first. You can search the system for *.pst or check Outlook’s data‑file list to see each file and its path; on older Windows the default folder is under Documents and Settings\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook. Close Outlook before copying the file (open files can be corrupted if copied while in use). (support.microsoft.com)

Copy the supporting pieces you’ll want to preserve: signatures, stationery/templates, and any custom forms. Export rules from the Rules & Alerts dialog (Options → Export Rules) so you can re‑import them later. The AutoComplete (nickname) cache for older Outlook versions is a .nk2 file; copy the .nk2 from the Outlook profile folder on the old machine and on the new machine run the one‑time command below to import it: 

outlook /importnk2

This is the supported copy/import method for the nickname cache. (support.microsoft.com)

If you’re using Outlook Express, find the store folder via Tools → Options → Maintenance → Store Folder, copy the .dbx files and the Windows Address Book (.wab) or export the address book; import on the new machine using the client’s Import options (Import → Messages / Outlook Express store). Also export account entries from Tools → Accounts if available. (pctechguide.com)

Verify every backup by opening or importing the copy on a test profile. If a PST won’t open, run the Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE) after making a copy of the broken file; always keep an untouched original backup. Keep an offsite copy of your latest archive (external drive or cloud) and label files with dates. (support.microsoft.com)

Notes: account/server passwords and some profile settings are not reliably transferred by just copying PST/DBX files — be prepared to re‑enter server settings or use the OS/Office migration tools for profiles if needed.

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Member Avatar for movielad

I also recommend Outback Plus or Eazy Backup from http://www.ajsystems.com. Both products do a thorough job of backing up your important Outlook, Internet Explorer and other important data files. Reasonable pricing too, I think.

Regards,

Martyn

Member Avatar for TheOgre

I use Handy Backup, which has the option for the Outlook/ICQ/Registry plugin. You can backup to CD-R/DVD-R, FTP, or network (or to another directory/partition/drive), and you can encrypt your backups for added security. It has a built-in scheduler, and lots of other features.

Price is $30
URL: http://www.handybackup.com

Member Avatar for Flopi

I use Adolix Outlook Express Backup.

It has the same features as any tool used to backup Outlook Express and it costs only 24.95 $. Furthermore, users can backup other email clients like MS Outlook or Eudora, so it's still usable when he changes Email Clients.

It can be found at http://www.adolix.com/outlook-express-backup/

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Flopi

Member Avatar for Novell52

Microsoft has a free Outlook Express backup software. Search Microsoft's web site.

Member Avatar for Flopi

too late for me, but thanks anyway.

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Flopi

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