Moving Outlook data files from company server to own machine

Hi propellorhead,

Yes, there is an easy way to do this, but there may be some speed bumps in the process.

The ost file means that the emails are kept on an Exchange server. Since your Outlook at home is setup as a POP3 account it is configured not to recognize ost files to open. The easiest way to move all the emails is to archive them as the archive file created will be a pst file. A simple copy of this archived pst file can be move to a USB flash drive for tansfer to the home computer. The speed bump will be IF she has administrator rights on the work PC. Windows Explorer has to be set to see hidden and system files in order to see the archived file so you can copy it. Also some company security setttings prevent tranfer of files to flash drives. Her IT people could her her with access to copy this archived pst file.

Once the archived file is transfered to the home PC, it is best to move the file to the default location which will be: C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files. Must have Explorer set to show hidden files. Will see her home outlook pst file there. When Outlook opens you should see the archived mail folders display in the folder pane to the left below her current folders. Accessing these archived folder will allow her to see and open any email in them.

Sometimes Outlook doesn't see the archived folder. If so then post back and I tell you how to add it manually.