Any Way to Import Contacts List and Prevent Duplicates from Importing into Office 2003?

[AA Smith]

I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each Contact
Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An, of course,
that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst file back onto my
original computer after formatting the disk & reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and
Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete them
manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are literally
thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your help.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct way to
transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker. There
are several and they are easy to find.

 

[AA Smith]

Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I have
exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever until now.
Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance in which anyone
has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is not a good idea. If
that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook data, I'd very much
appreciate your letting me know what is the correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct way to
transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker. There
are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An, of
course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst file back
onto my original computer after formatting the disk & reinstalling WinXP
Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete them
manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are literally
thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your help.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to corrupt data
(both on the export and on the import)--especially now that Outlook 2003
cannot export to a format that is compatible with other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the other
installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you need to change
the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I have
exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever until
now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance in which
anyone has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is not a good
idea. If that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook data, I'd very
much appreciate your letting me know what is the correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct way to
transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker.
There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An, of
course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst file
back onto my original computer after formatting the disk & reinstalling
WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete
them manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are
literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your help.

 

[AA Smith]

Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my Outlook
Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a fresh copy of
WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I needed to save my
existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in another installation or
Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my Outlook folders except to use
export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to corrupt
data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now that Outlook
2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the other
installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you need to
change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I have
exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever until
now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance in which
anyone has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is not a good
idea. If that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook data, I'd very
much appreciate your letting me know what is the correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct way
to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker.
There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An, of
course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst file
back onto my original computer after formatting the disk & reinstalling
WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete
them manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are
literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your help.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Not sure I understand your question. You're asking how to copy a file? You
can copy and store a PST file anywhere you want.
The Help files spell it all out:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my Outlook
Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a fresh copy
of WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I needed to save my
existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in another installation or
Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my Outlook folders except to use
export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to corrupt
data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now that Outlook
2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the
other installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you need
to change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I have
exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever until
now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance in which
anyone has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is not a good
idea. If that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook data, I'd very
much appreciate your letting me know what is the correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct way
to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker.
There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An,
of course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst
file back onto my original computer after formatting the disk &
reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete
them manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are
literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your
help.

 

[AA Smith]

Hello, again, Russ. Sorry for my lack of clarity. It's been a long day.

What I'm asking is how to copy my existing Outlook Contacts folder--not a
..pst file created by running File>Export. Is the actual folder that Outlook
2003 displays easily available to copy. If so, what file name and extension
would, for example, the Contacts folder have on disk?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Not sure I understand your question. You're asking how to copy a file? You
can copy and store a PST file anywhere you want.
The Help files spell it all out:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my Outlook
Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a fresh copy
of WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I needed to save my
existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in another installation or
Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my Outlook folders except to
use export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to corrupt
data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now that Outlook
2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the
other installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you need
to change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I
have exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever
until now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance
in which anyone has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is
not a good idea. If that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook
data, I'd very much appreciate your letting me know what is the correct
way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct way
to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker.
There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An,
of course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst
file back onto my original computer after formatting the disk &
reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete
them manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are
literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your
help.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Folders do not exist separately.
The PST file is what you want to copy.
If you do not want to copy your entire PST file, then just create a second
PST file and copy the folder you want to transfer into that. Just don't
export.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Hello, again, Russ. Sorry for my lack of clarity. It's been a long day.

What I'm asking is how to copy my existing Outlook Contacts folder--not a
.pst file created by running File>Export. Is the actual folder that
Outlook 2003 displays easily available to copy. If so, what file name and
extension would, for example, the Contacts folder have on disk?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Not sure I understand your question. You're asking how to copy a file?
You can copy and store a PST file anywhere you want.
The Help files spell it all out:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my Outlook
Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a fresh copy
of WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I needed to save my
existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in another installation or
Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my Outlook folders except to
use export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to corrupt
data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now that
Outlook 2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with other
versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the
other installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you need
to change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I
have exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever
until now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance
in which anyone has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is
not a good idea. If that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook
data, I'd very much appreciate your letting me know what is the
correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct
way to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker.
There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times. An,
of course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that .pst
file back onto my original computer after formatting the disk &
reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To delete
them manually would require an incredible amount of time. There are
literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly appreciate your
help.

 

[AA Smith]

Hello, again, Russ!

I'm apparently missing something.

The only files on this computer that contain "PST" are the files that I
created using Outlook 2003 Export. I have searched the entire disk
including hidden files and folders but find nothing else that seems related
to Outlook containing PST anywhere in a file name.

What is the complete file name of the PST file you referred to? And where
would it be located on my hard drive? Moreover, how would I copy it, with
Windows Explorer? Or can it be copied with some feature of Outlook?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Folders do not exist separately.
The PST file is what you want to copy.
If you do not want to copy your entire PST file, then just create a second
PST file and copy the folder you want to transfer into that. Just don't
export.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Hello, again, Russ. Sorry for my lack of clarity. It's been a long day.

What I'm asking is how to copy my existing Outlook Contacts folder--not a
.pst file created by running File>Export. Is the actual folder that
Outlook 2003 displays easily available to copy. If so, what file name
and extension would, for example, the Contacts folder have on disk?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Not sure I understand your question. You're asking how to copy a file?
You can copy and store a PST file anywhere you want.
The Help files spell it all out:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my
Outlook Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a
fresh copy of WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I needed
to save my existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in another
installation or Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my Outlook
folders except to use export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to
corrupt data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now
that Outlook 2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with
other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the
other installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you
need to change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I
have exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem whatsoever
until now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the first instance
in which anyone has even suggested that exporting Outlook folders is
not a good idea. If that's not the correct way to transfer Outlook
data, I'd very much appreciate your letting me know what is the
correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct
way to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate checker.
There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow each
Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3 times.
An, of course, that's exactly what I get when I try to Import that
.pst file back onto my original computer after formatting the disk &
reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To
delete them manually would require an incredible amount of time.
There are literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly
appreciate your help.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You have not yet mentioned whether you are running against Exchange Server
or a local information store.
That would be nice to know. If it is the latter, you will find the location
of your default PST file in the properties of your root folder in Outlook.
Did you read the article I posted? It's all there.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Hello, again, Russ!

I'm apparently missing something.

The only files on this computer that contain "PST" are the files that I
created using Outlook 2003 Export. I have searched the entire disk
including hidden files and folders but find nothing else that seems
related to Outlook containing PST anywhere in a file name.

What is the complete file name of the PST file you referred to? And where
would it be located on my hard drive? Moreover, how would I copy it, with
Windows Explorer? Or can it be copied with some feature of Outlook?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Folders do not exist separately.
The PST file is what you want to copy.
If you do not want to copy your entire PST file, then just create a
second PST file and copy the folder you want to transfer into that. Just
don't export.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Hello, again, Russ. Sorry for my lack of clarity. It's been a long
day.

What I'm asking is how to copy my existing Outlook Contacts folder--not
a .pst file created by running File>Export. Is the actual folder that
Outlook 2003 displays easily available to copy. If so, what file name
and extension would, for example, the Contacts folder have on disk?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Not sure I understand your question. You're asking how to copy a file?
You can copy and store a PST file anywhere you want.
The Help files spell it all out:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my
Outlook Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a
fresh copy of WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I
needed to save my existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in
another installation or Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my
Outlook folders except to use export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to
corrupt data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now
that Outlook 2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with
other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the
other installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you
need to change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I
have exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem
whatsoever until now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the
first instance in which anyone has even suggested that exporting
Outlook folders is not a good idea. If that's not the correct way
to transfer Outlook data, I'd very much appreciate your letting me
know what is the correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct
way to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate
checker. There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow
each Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3
times. An, of course, that's exactly what I get when I try to
Import that .pst file back onto my original computer after
formatting the disk & reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To
delete them manually would require an incredible amount of time.
There are literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly
appreciate your help.

 

[AA Smith]

Thanks, again, Russ!

I knew I had to be missing something, and the great article that you were so
kind as to post, is what I missed. Not sure how I overlooked it. But I've
read it now, and that cleared it up for me.

Thanks, again!
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

You have not yet mentioned whether you are running against Exchange Server
or a local information store.
That would be nice to know. If it is the latter, you will find the
location of your default PST file in the properties of your root folder in
Outlook. Did you read the article I posted? It's all there.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

Hello, again, Russ!

I'm apparently missing something.

The only files on this computer that contain "PST" are the files that I
created using Outlook 2003 Export. I have searched the entire disk
including hidden files and folders but find nothing else that seems
related to Outlook containing PST anywhere in a file name.

What is the complete file name of the PST file you referred to? And
where would it be located on my hard drive? Moreover, how would I copy
it, with Windows Explorer? Or can it be copied with some feature of
Outlook?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith

Folders do not exist separately.
The PST file is what you want to copy.
If you do not want to copy your entire PST file, then just create a
second PST file and copy the folder you want to transfer into that. Just
don't export.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Hello, again, Russ. Sorry for my lack of clarity. It's been a long
day.

What I'm asking is how to copy my existing Outlook Contacts folder--not
a .pst file created by running File>Export. Is the actual folder that
Outlook 2003 displays easily available to copy. If so, what file name
and extension would, for example, the Contacts folder have on disk?
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Not sure I understand your question. You're asking how to copy a file?
You can copy and store a PST file anywhere you want.
The Help files spell it all out:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, again, Russ!

However, in this case, I didn't have another location to open my
Outlook Contacts folder. I had to format my hard drive and install a
fresh copy of WindowsXP Pro, then reinstall Outlook 2003. So, I
needed to save my existing Outlook folders somewhere, but not in
another installation or Outlook. So, how else could I have saved my
Outlook folders except to use export? I really would like to know.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
You will find countless posts to that effect in this group.
Exporting loses data. It is also provides many opportunities to
corrupt data (both on the export and on the import)--especially now
that Outlook 2003 cannot export to a format that is compatible with
other versions.
All one needs to do is copy the Outlook data file and open it in the
other installation. Importing and exporting are only needed if you
need to change the file format.

For example, Exporting/Importing PST's will lose:
1. Custom Forms
2. Custom Views
3. Connections between contacts and activities
4. Received dates on mail
5. Birthdays and anniversaries in calendar
6. Journal connections
7. Distribution Lists
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks, very much Russ!

Actually, I've been using Office for neigh on to ten years. And, I
have exported and imported Outlook folders with no problem
whatsoever until now. Moreover, with all due respect, this is the
first instance in which anyone has even suggested that exporting
Outlook folders is not a good idea. If that's not the correct way
to transfer Outlook data, I'd very much appreciate your letting me
know what is the correct way.
--
With kindest regards,

Dick Smith
Now you see why we tell you not to export. It is never the correct
way to transfer Outlook data.
At this point you would need to use a third party duplicate
checker. There are several and they are easy to find.

--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I recently exported my Contacts list to a .pst file and somehow
each Contact Card wound up being exported into that pst file 3
times. An, of course, that's exactly what I get when I try to
Import that .pst file back onto my original computer after
formatting the disk & reinstalling WinXP Pro SP2 and Office 2003.

Is there any simple way to get rid of all the duplicates. To
delete them manually would require an incredible amount of time.
There are literally thousands of them. So, I shall greatly
appreciate your help.

 

[normc]

You have not yet mentioned whether you are running against Exchange Server
or a local information store.
That would be nice to know. If it is the latter, you will find the location
of your default PST file in the properties of your root folder in Outlook.
Did you read the article I posted? It's all there.

Just signed on to NG and would like reference to your article.

My question(s) are not about Contacts, but they are about .pst files.
Perhaps your article would be of value to me.

Which group(s) would be on-topic for determining how one deletes
Personal Folders from the folder list? Ditto for having picked up more
Outlook Today-(Personal Folders) without knowing why.

I will provide history when I find the correct NG.

TIA

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

This group will suffice.
Start a new thread.

 

[Brian Tillman]

Just signed on to NG and would like reference to your article.

http://groups-beta.google.com/ is a big help with that.

Which group(s) would be on-topic for determining how one deletes
Personal Folders from the folder list?

microsoft.public.outlook or microsoft.public.outlook.general, probably.
Right-click the root of the PST and choose Close.

Ditto for having picked up
more Outlook Today-(Personal Folders) without knowing why.

Importing can do that. If right-click>Close doesn't work, try File>Data
File Management. If that doesn't work, you need a new mail profile.