Something doesn't fit here. The operating system never amends a PST
file
name with a number when you copy a file with the same name to the
same
location. It overwrites the file and does not rename it. The only way
you can create a file named "Outlook (2)" is within Outlook itself.
Russ, it's time for you to upgrade to Vista ;-)
When you copy a file with the same name in the folder you copy to,
Vista
will prompt you to "Copy and Replace", "Don't copy", "Copy, but keep
both
files." In the case of the last it will amend the file name with the
next
increment, in most cases; "(2)"
-----
Something doesn't fit here. The operating system never amends a PST
file
name with a number when you copy a file with the same name to the same
location. It overwrites the file and does not rename it. The only way
you
can create a file named "Outlook (2)" is within Outlook itself. Any
time
you create a new data file in Outlook using the File > New command,
that
is the default name Outlook offers to give it. That means the file you
copied is a file other than the default file you were using before.
The easiest way to make sure you are copying the right file is simple
to
open each PST file you find in Outlook and see which one has your
data.
Then close Outlook completely and copy that file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I didn't rename it, the system added the (2) when I dragged it to the
folder
in order not to overwrite the file already there. I believe I have
the
correct folder based on the following: Found it where it was
supposed
to be
located and in properties, the created, revised and last accessed
dates
checked out. FYI, also found a large archives file in the same
folder.
Don't know how else to know - perhaps I'm in over my head and need to
hire a
technician - if you think so please tell me so I can move on. After
25
years
of struggling with every new MSFT OS and Office iteration maybe it's
time for
an Apple. Transferring data from one computer to another shouldn't
require a
degree in computer science especialy when it's from one generation of
software to another from the same vendor. - Sorry - a bit
frustrated.
Thanks
for trying to help.
:
You should never copy an Outlook data file to the default location
because
you will most likely overwrite another data file and corrupt it. You
should
never rename an Outlook data file in Windows Explorer. Explain why
you
"believe" you found the correct file and how it was created.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
First - Thanks, all of you, for your help. Second, I am not using
import
/
export.
I believe I found the correct file named "Microsoft Office Outlook
Personal
Folders (.pst)" size - 267 MB. Burned to DVD and copied to the new
computer
in the same location as the exsisting Outlook data file that
contains
only
one contact and a few emails. Named the new data file Outlook
(2).
Checked
properties and the "read only box" is not checked. Tried to open
file -
same
message, not a Personal Folders File.
:
You didn't copy your Outlook Data file. Why didn't you copy the
file
that
Outlook was using as its data file? Just look at its properties
in
Outlook
so that you can find and copy the correct file.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
OK - Background - I've been using Outlook 2003 for several
years
and
before
that Outlook 2002. I'm a homoffice user not on a network.
I found the "Outlook Data File" in Application Data (441 kb),
dragged
it
to
Nero Express software and burned the DVD. Ran the DVD on the
new
computer
and dragged the file to Documents. When I look at file
properties
it
is
id'd
as Outlook .pst folder but then it says opens with unkown
application.
As
stated before, when I tried to open in Outlook it says it's not
a
Personal
Folders File.
Just to see what would happen I started all over and burned a
new
disk.
This time after dragging to Documents in the new computer, in
Outlook I
tried
to open and the the newly dragged file did not appear - in
lower
right
corner
box read Personal Folders Files. When I changed this to All
Files,
there
it
was. This time, properties reads Type: "Office Data Files" -
Opens
with:
"unknown application".
:
Then you need to clarify how you created and transferred this
file so
we
can
see where you corrupted it.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks. I looked at the file on DVD and the read only box
was
indeed
checked. However, on the file I'm trying to open (copied
from
the
DVD
to
the
Documents folder) the read only box is clear. Somehow it
was
removed
in
the
copy process?? Still won't open stating "Not a Personal
Folders
File".
:
Most likely you forgot to remove the read only attribute
the
file
acquired
when you burned it to a DVD.
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
Thanks - I reviewed all three links. I found the data
file
in
Outlook
03,
burned it to a dvd and then to the new Vista computer in
"Documents".
Opened
Outlook, clicked file, open, Outlook data File, went to
Documents,
dble
clicked the file and got "Outlook.pst is not a personal
folders
file".
What
did I miss?
:
Eliminate the words export and import from you
vocabulary
immediately.
Instructions are posted here daily:
http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm
http://www.howto-outlook.com/Howto/backupandrestore.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]
I need step by step procedure for moving my exsisting
Outlook
2003
files
and
to a new computer with Vista & Outlook 2007. Can
someone
please
provide a
link to these instructions? I've spend hours
exporting
.pst
folders
,
burning disks, copying, etc and am getting nowhere.
Thanks
