Where does The Outlook PST file get saved?

One of the most frustrating operations in Windows is re-installing after a crash or virus infection. Re-installs and recoveries are all to common with Windows, and I always have to go back to the internet to find where Outlook and Outlook Express store their data files. So here it is.

On the XP, Outlook puts the Outlook.pst file is in:
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Outlook Express saves its data in a number of files with .Dbx extensions They are stored in:
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{a-long-guid-number-with letters-and-numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\*.dbx

There a number of files, and they all need to be copied. In my installation I lost the address book, but this covered all mail.

I was urprised to see that Outlook and Outlook Express use different file formats. My background has largely been in the use of Outlook in corporate environments, so Outlook Express has been a learning curve. It has been a while since I used Outlook without putting it on a separate partition, but I assume this is a fairly consistent location across versions.

I hope this helps you, If not, at least I will know where to look next time I have to mov.e or re-install Outlook!

If anyone can help with the address book locations it would be appreciated.

Enjoy! - Phil Stephens
Edited 28/04 - Outlook Express file format info updated...