Outlook: back up emails

If you want to back up your emails from Outlook, you should not choose your hard drive, but an external data medium, such as a USB stick. You can find out how to save your Outlook emails here.

Backup copy: Export Outlook emails as a data file

1. In the Outlook menu, click "File".
2. Here you go to "Options".
3. A window opens and you click on the "Advanced" tab. The correct menu item can be found under the "Export" section. Click on the corresponding button (see screenshot).
4. You are now in the Outlook import / export wizard. Select the "Export to a file" option from the list. Then click Next".
5. Now select "Outlook Data File (PST)" and then select the account whose emails are to be saved. Place a checkmark next to "Include subfolders" to save all folders in your inbox and outbox. Under "Filters" you can narrow your selection according to various criteria.
6. Click on "Next" and under the "Browse" button select the desired destination folder in which the saved file is to be saved. As mentioned at the beginning, an external data medium is recommended for effective backup. Select "Finish" to start the export.
7. If you want to import the file back into Outlook, this also works via the import / export wizard. Select the option "Import from other programs or files" and follow the further instructions.

How to open the backup copy without Outlook

You can open your backup file with Outlook at any time. If you no longer want to use Outlook, you can also view your saved mails differently:

1. Download the free tool "Coolutils Outlook Viewer" by clicking on the "Free Download" button.
2. Then install the program and follow the further instructions.
3. Open "Coolutils Outlook Viewer" and click on the "File" tab at the top left. Select "Open Outlook data file ..." here.
4. Then select the location where you previously saved the backup of your Outlook emails and select this file by clicking on it. By default, the backup file is called "backup".
5. Then click the "Open" button (see picture).
6. Now your saved Outlook mail inbox is displayed.

Another practical tip will tell you how to "export your Outlook contacts".