You can export your email messages and account folders, calendar and appointments, tasks, notes and additional content from Outlook as a .pst file, then import everything in one go to a different computer or another mail profile. The .pst file can be saved to other media just like any other file, however it can only be opened within Outlook or another email program that supports using .pst files.
- If the .pst contains any sensitive or confidential information (i.e. in your messages, attachments, etc.) any media you use to hold the .pst file must meet data storage and encryption related requirements.
- It is not recommended to store and regularly connect to a .pst on a network drive, see our FAQ and Microsoft's support article for details.
- If you aren't already using Outlook for your CUIMC email account, you must first Set Up CUIMC Email in Outlook on Windows so it can be exported.
- Those leaving CUIMC and using these instructions to keep their email data should also be sure to Remove Your Account from Outlook when it expires to avoid getting errors when Outlook tries to connect.
Instructions here cover exporting an entire Mailbox. It typically includes your Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted and other mail folders, Calendar, or other items that are listed as sub folders of the main Mailbox as it appears in the left Navigation pane in Outlook.
Exporting Mailbox content to a .pst file
- Open Outlook's Import and Export wizard by selecting the FILE tab in the upper left, then the Open & Export link in the left, then Import/Export.
- In the Import and Export Wizard dialog box, select Export to a file, then select Next.
- In the Export to a File dialog box, select Outlook Data File (.pst), then Next.
- In the Export Outlook Data File dialog box, select the desired heading (usually your full email address or name) then select Include sub folders to include all folders for the account. Select the Next button.
NOTE: you may have to use a scroll bar on the right to find your main Mailbox.
- At the top of the Export Outlook Data File window, in the Save exported file as field, Outlook names the file "backup.pst" by default and displays the path for saving the file in your computer's Documents folder in a sub folder called Outlook Files. Select Finish to accept these default settings.
Note: Select Browse to save to a different location on your computer if you prefer, or to rename your .pst file.
- A Create Outlook Data File window will appear. In both fields type in a password that will be required when the Personal Folders File is opened. IMPORTANT: If you forget the password there is no way to retrieve it or otherwise open the .pst you are creating; be sure to keep track of any password used here. Select OK to continue
- Your computer will pause as the .pst file is created; if you have a lot of items to back up you may see a window that shows the status of each item as it is backed up. No notice will appear to indicate that the back up is done, simply verify that the "backup.pst" file appears in your Documents\Outlook Files folder when Outlook has finished (if you have changed the location and/or name in step 6 above, look for the appropriate file name/location).