Mail message storage

[EsserMein]

Hi All,

Where does Outlook store it's mail messages? I know all about PST and PAB files but I thought they were for archiving only. Was just curious as to where it is kept so it can be imported.

Thanks in advance for any help.

EMS

 

[mscallisto]

Normally they are stored on an exchange server but may be redirected to personal folders .pst's by the client mailuser. The personal folders may again be stored on the exchange server or a file server or PC, wherever the client outlook user prefers.

 

[EsserMein]

This is a local installation. No exchange servers.

There is an email account that accesses internet email (Road Runner), but my impression was that because it is local, then everything should be local.

Thanks for the response.

EMS

 

[TomCologne]

To find a file by its extension, press the Windows + F keys simultaneously to bring up "Search". Or go to "Start>Search>Files and Folders".

Type

*.pst
or
*.pst,*.pab

in the box and let Windows do the work.

TomCologne

 

[EsserMein]

I appreciate the help guys, but this is not quite it.

PST files are associated with archival. I have looked on at least 5 different pcs and none of them have PST files. I am positive that these files are only generated by archiving, and if that is not set to automatic, then there must be somewhere else that this can be

 

[EsserMein]

........sorry cut my own post off. There must be somewhere else where this stuff gets stored. If someone has anything else apart from PST files please let me know.

Thanks for tryin' guys.

EMS

 

[EsserMein]

Another point to add to this.......

A search of your folders will NOT bring up any PST files used by Outlook. They are hidden. Outlook uses a file call OUTLOOK.PST, but is invisible to any Explorer or Dos search.

If anyone knows how to search for a PST file and genuinely find it........your comments are most welcome.

Thanks

EMS.

 

[TomCologne]

Search of *.pst brings up outlook.pst, mailbox.pst, etc.
on my system.
I've set "Tools>Folder Options>View" to show hidden files and folders.

Outlook.pst
C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

TomCologne

 

[bowfonz]

First, Outlook uses .pst files. Period. Not just for archiving but also as it's main data file. If an Exchange server is involved, then there is no .pst. If offline files is being used, look for a .ost file.

If you have no Exchange server and you have no .pst files on the local machine, then it must be out on the network somewhere. In the folder list, right-click "personal folders" and then click the "advanced" tab. That'll tell you where the data file is.

Or else you're using Outlook Express and that uses .dbx files I think.

 

[mscallisto]

.pst's are personal folders and are stored wherever you want then to be stored.

In Outlook: to view your personal folders do the following:

Tools > Services > will take you to the information services window where you can see things like personal address books, personal folders, exchange server etc.

If you have previously created a personal folder and given it a name it will show up here, and if it does, click to highlte then click properties to view the path where it is stored.

If it's not here you havent created one.

 

[smah]

See also: File used for Messages thread605-879275