• Best Outlook backup software

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    #496148

    Hello Everyone,
    I’m new here and this is my first post here.
    OK, we all know we can simply copy our PST files to some other location for safe keeping, but can we all chime in here as to the best Outlook backup software that is out there.
    I’m currently trying the free trial version of
    “Backup Outlook” by Wisco (http://www.backupoutlook.com/product.aspx?source=navbar),
    but what other backup programs is everyone else using for backing up their all important Outlook files?
    Thanks.
    I apologize in advance if this topic was covered before.
    :confused:

    Viewing 15 reply threads
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    • #1465237
      • #1465239

        Outlook 2007/2003/2002 Add-in: Personal Folders Backup (free from Microsoft)

        Bruce

        Thanks Bruce but not really what I was looking for.
        Looking for something that backs up ALL important Outlook files in addition to the all important PST file. Plus the link above appears only to apply to Outlook up to and including 2007. I suspect that the simple PST copying program above will probably work with Outlook beyond 2007.

        There are a ton of other important Outlook files that need to be backed up other than a PST file and that’s what I’m looking for.

        Thanks again.

    • #1465240

      I’d say a few rather than a ton, but which version?

      The Microsoft Personal Folders Backup Utility can be used with Outlook 2010/2013 with minor fixes: What to backup in Outlook 2013

      (see Tools near the bottom for more comprehensive backup utilities)

      Bruce

      • #1465243

        What files? Which version?

        Seriously?
        Guess you never had to restore a computer that had it’s HD trashed…..
        To many files to to mention and there are a few other versions of Outlook since 2007. 2010 and/or 2013 comes to mind.

        As many experienced Outlook users know, once you’ve worked with Outlook for a few years, there are A LOT of settings, via files, that are used to Customize your Outlook experience. The PST file is NOT the only file that is utilized in your customization of said program.

        Not gonna list them all out here. Check out EVERYTHING that Backup Outlook backs up, enabling you to get back all your Outlook customization and data back should the poop hits the fan:

        http://www.backupoutlook.com/?source=navbar

        And this program appears to work with the latest version of Outlook available.

    • #1465245

      Pay $40 then, but you did ask what other people were using.

    • #1465256

      If you are concerned about disaster recovery look into imaging software instead of just backing up Outlook.

      Joe

      --Joe

    • #1465271
    • #1465290

      The best email backup is not software at all, but the built in Import/Export, and a fully functional backup regimen:

      1. The first level of backup is to get the store folder off the main drive and disentangle it from the OS.
      Secure your Outlook mail client’s store folder off the main drive and place it in a well named empty folder, preferably
      on another internal drive:
      http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/move-your-outlook-data-file-to-another-location-HA001112480.aspx
      http://blogs.technet.com/b/danstolts/archive/2012/11/07/how_2d00_to_2d00_change_2d00_default_2d00_data_2d00_file_2d00_ost_2d00_location_2d00_in_2d00_office_2d00_2013.aspx
      You should at a minimum have a decent degree of file system organization in order to do this.
      After setting this up properly and imaging the main OS drive, it will always put things back if an OS level image restore is needed.

      2. The second level of backup is to copy the entire contents of the store folder by both hard copy and export function.
      Export account information and email with folder structure to an empty folder within easy reach on your drive,
      then simply burn to DVD/CD disk or copy to USB stick or external drive.
      The email data, including folder structure, can then be restored by simply importing it back should it be lost.

      Exporting your Outlook file (folders, emails, contacts, etc)
      Export or back up messages, calendar, tasks, and contacts
      Where is Import & Export in Microsoft Outlook 2010 and 2013?
      Export Outlook items to an Outlook Data File (.pst)
      How to Backup Your Outlook 2013 Emails

      Using the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup tool
      (Probably the easiest tool to use, but not actually necessary)

    • #1465476

      Great Idea CLiNT,
      Thanks for that.
      Will try to incorporate that scheme, but it’s a scheme my brother will have to use so I need to try to keep this as simple as possible for him.
      KISS is the motto for the day for him, but I will look into your suggestion for me.
      Thanks again.
      Much appreciated for the time and effort you put into that response.
      :clapping:

    • #1468292

      I use “Oops!Backup” for local restore of Outlook, plus I use imaging backup for entire drive.

      • #1468297

        Hello Everyone,
        for enterprise users, you can have a look at Pst Backup 2013 on codeplex. It can be managed by GPO, compress PST files during backup, personalize NTFS permissions on destination folder, disable backup when user is “off site”, allows to shutdown computer once finish.

      • #1468394

        I use “Oops!Backup” for local restore of Outlook, plus I use imaging backup for entire drive.

        Thanks again Everyone for all the great input.
        Much Appreciated.

    • #1468682

      I back up my Outlook 7 to an external seagate drive with Acronis True Home Image version 2009 program every Friday morning at 8 a.m.
      works fine

    • #1468703

      It seems like you are concerned with backing up all features in Outlook that may have been changed by the user, along with the Outlook data. Most of those features are easily reset in a disaster recovery situation. Does the user utilize other applications that may have been customized and need backup?

      You might consider a solution that will also preserve those settings, as well as the settings in the OS. I suggest drive imaging.

    • #1468735

      MailStore is a good product with lightening fast searching. http://www.mailstore.com/

    • #1468737

      I use very sucessfully GoodSync. This program is free (updattes itself often) and allow us to transfer any and all files fro one device to another or to back up a files. I sync my entire outlook folder from my desktop to my portable harddrive and also when I am traveling to my laptop. When I return from my trip I again sync the laptop to the desktop. Been doing this for years.

    • #1468764

      I’ve been using Outback Plus from AJSystems for 10+ years and I would give it a 9 out of 10 (nobody and definitely no software, is perfect). Backup options range from everything, including kitchen sink (files outside of OL, like docs & spreadsheets) to individual OL components and profiles. I think it works in Exchange environments as well, but have never tried it there. http://ajsystems.com

      Ken

      • #1468931

        I too have been using Outback Plus for years and highly recommend it. Along with what Ken (pyramid36) states, Outback Plus allows for restoring individual messages, calendar, contacts, etc.

    • #1468765

      For years I have simply replicated the pst file to my backup drive and imported from it when necessary, particularly when I get a new computer or sync. my laptop. It works fine but has one large hole – it does not backup my email account info and rules. I have never found a way to back these up and restore to a different computer or OS so have laboriously had to restore them manually each time. Any suggestions?

    • #1473212

      Copy the image of an entire system drive, or Windows registry and Outlook email files by selection. (We are using Handy Backup for these purposes in our institute, but I suggest thee are much more software able to do it.)

    • #1476364

      As for all other backups, I use only Handy Backup, which I mention sometime before. It has an Outlook backup feature, seeming to be both quick and comfortable.

      However, it is purchased by my organization, not by myself. I can’t tell anything about the current business model of this utility (seems it is a shareware program).

      Best regards!

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