Backing up Outlook

[tinpanalley]

Hi there,
I have to install Windows 7 64 bit over my current 32 bit version and therefore I will lose my mail. Can someone point me towards the best way to back up all my inbox and sent folders so they can be plugged right back into the new install later?

Also is there any way to back up all my Windows settings (preferences, etc)

Thanks!

 

[rolli59]

You can have outlook create (export to) a pst. file with all your mail, then copy it on a device that does not get formatted and then import it again after the fact.

 

[tinpanalley]

Sweet. It's really that simple, huh?

 

[hang-the-9]

Sweet. It's really that simple, huh?

Yes. Make sure you grab Contacts, Calendar, etc.. when you do the export, you can back up all of those.

As far as backing up user info:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd560801(WS.10).aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd572169

Something I always try to do before doing a Windows setup, is to get a new hard-drive and install the new Windows on that. That way if anything gets forgotten or missed on the old setup, you have the intact drive there for use. You have to weigh the $50-60 a new drive costs vs. the pain you will have if you forgot to back something up.

 

[tinpanalley]

Best answer selected by tinpanalley.