Outlook Files Problem

Question

Over the weekend my system switched to the new outlook. I lost my files and all of my past notes and messages. I did purchase the 365 Basic as recommended but cannot seem to get the file system working on Outlook. I'm a senior so I do need to get my old notes back and working since that is where I store all of the addresses to my friends and family.

Can you advise me on the steps that i should take to activate the file system and if possible get my past notes back and working.

Peter

Answer 1

Hi Peter,

What happened is that the new Outlook for Windows does not show local Outlook Data Files (.pst) and it does not include the old Outlook Notes feature. Your folders and notes should still be on your PC and will reappear as soon as you open Outlook Classic.

If you currently see the new Outlook window, look at the upper right and turn off the New Outlook switch. Outlook will close and reopen in the classic version.

If you do not see that switch, open the Start menu, type Outlook, and choose Outlook Classic or Outlook (classic). If both Outlook and Outlook (classic) appear, open Outlook (classic), then right click it on the taskbar and choose Pin to taskbar so it is easy to open next time.

When Outlook Classic opens, give it a minute to load. In the left pane you should see your old top level folder named Outlook Data File or the custom name you used. Expand it and your old folders should be there.

To see your Notes, press Ctrl+5 on your keyboard. If Notes are not visible on the left rail, click the three dots near the bottom, choose Notes, and they should appear.

If Outlook Classic opens but the folders still do not show, we can check where the data file is stored and point Outlook to it. In that case, tell me what you see under File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files and I will guide you.

Answer 2

To recover your lost files and notes in Outlook, you can follow these steps:

1. Check for the Personal Folder File (.pst): Your old notes and messages may be stored in a Personal Folder file (.pst). If you have a backup of this file, you can import it back into Outlook.
2. Use the Inbox Repair Tool: If you suspect that your .pst file is corrupted, you can use the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) to repair it. Here’s how to do it:
   • Exit Outlook.
   • Locate the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) on your computer. The typical location is:
     • For Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
     • For Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15
   • Run the tool and follow the prompts to repair your .pst file.
3. Recover Repaired Items: After running the Inbox Repair Tool, you can recover your repaired items:
   • Start Outlook and press Ctrl + 6 to turn on Folder List view.
   • Look for the folder named "Recovered Personal Folders" and check if your notes and messages are there.
   • If you find your items, create a new Personal Folder (.pst) file and move the recovered items into it.
4. Create a New Personal Folder: To create a new Personal Folder (.pst) file:
   • In Outlook, go to the File tab, select Account Settings, and then Account Settings again.
   • Go to the Data Files tab and click Add to create a new .pst file.
5. Drag Recovered Items: Once you have created the new .pst file, you can drag items from the "Lost and Found" folder or the "Recovered Personal Folders" to your new folder.

If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to a family member or friend who can help you with these steps, especially if you're not comfortable with technology.

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References:

• How to repair your Outlook personal folder file (.pst)
• How to repair your Outlook personal folder file (.pst)