All versions of Microsoft Outlook use PST, or Personal Storage Tables, files to store information and settings used in the email application. Outlook allows you to create or import PST files using a simple-to-use wizard function that you can access from the Ribbon bar. However, if you want change the PST file used in Outlook, you can also do so by changing its path in the Window Control Panel. If you know the folder in which the PST file resides, you can change the path for Outlook in a couple of minutes.
Instructions
1. Close Microsoft Outlook. If you have any other Microsoft Office programs running, close them as well.
2. Click the "Start" button, then "Control Panel." Click the "Mail (32-bit)" link in the main Control Panel window. If you do not see the "Mail (32-bit)" link in Control Panel, click the "View By" drop-down list at the top of the window and select "Large Icons."
3. Click the "-" symbol in the corner of the Mail Setup Outlook window to minimize it to the Windows taskbar.
4. Click "Start," then "Computer." Browse to the folder on your computer that contains the PST file you want to use with Microsoft Outlook.
5. Right-click the folder name in Windows Explorer and click "Open command prompt window here." Note the long file path name of the folder containing the PST file.
6. Maximize the Mail Setup Outlook window. Click the "Data Files" button in the Data Files Section. Once the "Data Files" window appears, click the "Add" link.
7. Browse to the folder containing the PST file you want to import into Outlook. Highlight the filename and click the "OK" button.
8. Highlight the name of the old Outlook PST file in the "Data Files" window. Click the "Remove" link on the toolbar. Wait a few seconds for Windows to store the changes, then click the "Close" button.
9. Open Microsoft Outlook and enter the password for the new PST file when prompted. Use Outlook as you normally would.
Tags: Control Panel, Data Files, Microsoft Outlook, 32-bit link, Browse folder, Click Start