Number 288 - May 2007

Backing Up Outlook Contacts
by S. Jack Lewtschuk (blacklion@royal.net), Monterey Bay Users' Group (www.mbug.org/)
Outlook stores all data in a single file called a ".PST file". This file contains your contacts, e-mail, calendar items and tasks. It' s easy to back up your entire Outlook .PST file--just locate it and copy it as you would any other file. Backing up individual folders within Outlook is also easy, so you can export your entire "Contacts" list. Simply highlight "Contacts" in your Outlook folders list. Then click "File," and "Import and Export" to open the "Import and Export Wizard." Select "Export to a file" and click "Next, " to choose from a list of options (I recommend Microsoft Excel as the best one to choose in order to export all your contacts into a nicely ordered spreadsheet). After making your selection, click "Next." You'll be given the option again to select the folder you want to export. Highlight it, click "N ext, " and specify the name and location where you would like to save your file (use the "Browse" button if needed), click "Next" and then click "Finish."    You can use the same procedure with other items in the Outlook folder list. This is handy if you only want to export certain parts of your Outlook data file. You can use the files with other	programs such as a "Database." Y ou can also use it to share information with other people. Say you want to share your contacts with ftiends or coworkers: just export them, and others can import your list into their Outlook program.    To import a file, click "File," and "Import and Export." Select "Import from another program or file," click "Next, " and select the type of file from which you 're importing. In this case, select "Microsoft Excel" and click "Next." Click "Browse" to locate the file you wish to import, then select your import options. You may want to allow duplicates, or you may wish to replace duplicates with imported items. You can also specify that duplicates not be imported. Click "N ext, " select the destination folder, click "N ext" again, and finally, click "Finish."    This article has been provided to APCUG by the author solely for publication by APCUG member groups. All other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above)
Number 288 - May 2007