It’s important to periodically backup your e-mails in Microsoft Outlook. If the program were to crash, you could lose all of your messages. Follow these simple steps to make sure you don’t lose any of your communications that are stored in Outlook.

All of your Outlook messages are stored in a single file called “outlook.pst.” To locate this file, go to the C drive and open the “Documents and Settings” folder. Click on “Tools” in the top menu bar and select “Folder Options.” In the “View” tab, make sure that your computer is displaying hidden files and folders.

Choose your user account from the “Documents and settings” screen and double click on the “Local Settings” folder. Open the “Application Data” folder, followed by “Microsoft” and then “Outlook.” This last folder contains all of the messages in your Outlook inbox.

Right click on “outlook.psd” and copy it. Create a folder on your desktop called “e-mail backup” and paste the file into it. If you want, you can rename the outlook.psd file so that it is known by today’s date.

Now, if you ever lose your e-mails, all you have to do is open Outlook. The program will automatically open a browser window, which will allow you to navigate to the backup you just created.

You could also click on Outlook’s “File” menu and select “Import and Export.” Choose “Import from another program or file” from the options list and click “Next.” Choose “Personal Folder File” from the next window and click “Next” again. Select “Browse” and then find the backup file on your desktop. Progress through the remainder of the screens and your e-mails will be restored. This process can also restore e-mails you accidentally delete.