Adding Data files

Outlook 2016 2013 2010 2003
Although Outlook automatically creates Data Files as needed when you add accounts, you might want to add your own Data Files (PSTs) to a profile. For example, perhaps you use an Exchange Server account for your primary Outlook store, but want a set of personal folders to serve as an archive; or perhaps you have an Exchange Server account and are adding a POP3 account.

Follow these steps to add a set of personal folders to your profile:

   1.   To open the Outlook Data Files dialog box, do one of the following:

  • If Outlook is not running, open the Mail applet from the Control Panel.
    Data Files in Outlook 2007

    Click Data Files to open the Outlook Data Files dialog box.

  • If Outlook is running, choose File -> Data File Management....
Outlook 2007 Data Files

   2.   Click Add... to display the New Outlook Data File dialog box:

New Outlook 2007 Data File
  • Office Outlook Personal Folders File (.pst). Choose this option to create a PST that is not compatible with previous Outlook versions, but which supports a larger PST file size and multilingual Unicode data.
  • Outlook 97-2002 Personal Folders File (.pst). Choose this option to create a PST that is compatible with other Outlook versions. Use this type of PST if you need to share a PST between different versions of Outlook.

   3.   In the Create or Open Outlook Data File dialog box, choose a location and file name for the PST, and click OK.

Create or Open Outlook 2007 Data File

   4.   In the Create Microsoft Personal Folders dialog box, enter settings according to the following list:

Personal Folders in Outlook 2007
  • Name - Specify the name for the PST as you want it to appear in the Outlook folder list.

    Using a unique name will help you identify the set of folders more easily.

  • Password - Enter and confirm an optional password to protect the PST and choose the Save This Password in Your Password List to have Outlook cache the PST password in your password cache. Use this option if you are concerned that others might be able to access your computer and view the items in the personal folders.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to ask OfficeToolTips team.

See Also

How to create an Outlook Address Book

How to create an Outlook Address Book

The address book is usually created when you create a Personal Folders profile, but only one address book can be defined for the profile. Fortunately you can easily create additional address books out of the profile for your own needs.
Conditional formatting

Conditional formatting

Usually Outlook users are using folders to organize messages, but you can also use colors. For example, you might apply a special color to all messages from a particular person. You can then see at a glance which messages are from that person.
Using Shortcuts to create new Outlook items

Using Shortcuts to create new Outlook items

This tip is about how to create and use icons on the desktop or your Quick Start toolbar that start new Outlook items like new e-mail message or new appointment item.