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:
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Best Outlook backup software
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Productivity software by function » MS Outlook and email programs » Best Outlook backup software
- This topic has 22 replies, 16 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 6 months ago.
AuthorTopicWSKujo
AskWoody LoungerAugust 26, 2014 at 2:53 pm #496148Viewing 15 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
b
AskWoody_MVPAugust 26, 2014 at 4:01 pm #1465237Outlook 2007/2003/2002 Add-in: Personal Folders Backup (free from Microsoft)
Bruce
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WSKujo
AskWoody LoungerAugust 26, 2014 at 4:27 pm #1465239Outlook 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.
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b
AskWoody_MVPAugust 26, 2014 at 4:34 pm #1465240I’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
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WSKujo
AskWoody LoungerAugust 26, 2014 at 4:56 pm #1465243What 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.
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b
AskWoody_MVP -
joep517
AskWoody MVP -
Paul T
AskWoody MVPAugust 27, 2014 at 2:57 am #1465271Backup software that also does imaging.
cheers, Paul
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WSCLiNT
AskWoody LoungerAugust 27, 2014 at 7:47 am #1465290The 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 EmailsUsing the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup tool
(Probably the easiest tool to use, but not actually necessary) -
WSKujo
AskWoody LoungerAugust 28, 2014 at 2:25 pm #1465476Great 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: -
Mike Blankenship
AskWoody Lounger -
WSDCourtel
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 20, 2014 at 4:33 pm #1468297Hello 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. -
WSKujo
AskWoody Lounger
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WSrobplum
AskWoody Lounger -
WSChris the Computin Guru
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 25, 2014 at 7:35 am #1468703It 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.
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WSGordanski
AskWoody PlusSeptember 25, 2014 at 11:02 am #1468731I’ve been using ABF Outlook Backup for a number of years & it’s saved me numerous times. Copies & restores everything but you have to pay .See link http://www.outlookbackup.com/
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WSmanderle
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 25, 2014 at 11:24 am #1468735MailStore is a good product with lightening fast searching. http://www.mailstore.com/
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WSAlan in Aken
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 25, 2014 at 11:31 am #1468737I 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.
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WSpyramid36
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 25, 2014 at 1:45 pm #1468764I’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
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WSgkellysr
AskWoody Lounger
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bryash
AskWoody PlusSeptember 25, 2014 at 1:52 pm #1468765For 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?
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WSmrgeek.1974
AskWoody LoungerOctober 31, 2014 at 1:36 am #1473212Copy 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.)
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WSmrgeek.1974
AskWoody LoungerNovember 21, 2014 at 1:21 am #1476364As 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!
Viewing 15 reply threads -

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