Microsoft Outlook

Export to an Outlook Data File (.pst)

Every 10 years (...) I make a backup of my mailbox.

Nowadays, I check my mail through webmail, but I still have an email account configured in Outlook, of the IMAP/SMTP type.

If you want to export your mailbox, no problem:

• launch Outlook
• File > Open & Export > Import/Export
• Import and Export Wizard window:
  • Choose an action to perform: Export to a file
  • Next >
  • Create a file of type: Outlook Data File (.pst)
  • Next >
  • Select the folder to export from, check the Include subfolders checkbox if wanted
  • Next >
  • Save exported file as: E:\nter\The\Desired\FileName.pst
  • Finish
• Create Outlook Data File window:
  • You can enter a password, if wanted
  • OK
• Wait for the export to complete and you'll find your .pst file in the indicated location.

Now, the tricky part is reading the .pst file.

• again, in Outlook
• File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File
• choose your .pst file
• in the Folder Pane, an Outlook Data File item appears
• uncollapse this item and choose a message folder (e.g. Inbox), you'll always see: We didn't find anything to show here.

Apparently, that's because you exported an IMAP type mailbox, then the messages marked for deletion are hidden...

• So, with a message folder selected, click the View menu > Change View
• instead of 'Hide Messages Marked for Deletion', choose Preview
• the messages in the folder now appear
• if there are subfolders, however, they'l still state We didn't find anything to show here
• Now return to the message folder you've already corrected, and in the View menu, now choose once again Change View
• now choose Apply Current View to Other Mail Folders...
• check all desired message folders and check the Apply view to subfolders checkbox if necessary
• now check the subfolders again, and you'll see the messages.

That's it!