Through the Viewfinderthoughts of a photographer

Have you ever reloaded your Windows operating system, and then discovered you’ve forgotten to back up your Outlook 2007 files? Here’s how to copy your precious calendar and contact .pst files from your previous version of Windows XP.

When you loaded your new version of Windows XP, if you didn’t create a new partition (format) your hard disk, then your old Outlook files will be still be hiding, just waiting to be found! Disclaimer: Modifying Outlook files can cause serious problems that may prevent Outlook from working properly. Modifications of the files are at your own risk. We recommend you backup any files before proceeding.

In Windows XP, to find the previous configuration files for Outlook 2007:
1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, click the View tab, and then click the Show hidden files and folder option.

To find the old Outlook data file location in XP, go to:
drive:\Documents and Settings\username from your old Windows installation\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Inside that old Outlook folder are several data files. The one that you want to copy is the Outlook.pst file. It contains the calendar and contacts from the previous version. Important: Remember to backup your Outlook data file before you overwrite the file! The calendar, contacts and other data in your Outlook folder will be overwritten when you transfer Outlook.pst
Good Luck!