There are several techniques to transfer your Outlook data file to a new computer. And, they differ from one version of Outlook to another.
But, in general, all these methods contain two main parts. First is to copy your personal storage data file onto an external drive. And, the next part is to import it into your Microsoft Outlook application located on the new Windows computer.
Part 1: Possible Ways to Copy Outlook Data from Existing Computer
These are some of the techniques to copy your Outlook data file from your current computer that holds your Outlook profile.
Applicable for Outlook 2010 and Later Versions
Way #1: Steps to Copy Outlook Data File from Host Computer (by copying PST)
- First, close your Outlook application
- Go to Start, hold Windows and R keys together
- Type Control Panel in Run box and hit Enter key
- You will see the Control Panel window
- Go to Pick a Category page and opt User Accounts
- Click on Mail and open Mail Setup
- From Profiles segment, select Show Profiles
- You will reach Mail dialogue box
- Switch to General tab, select your Outlook profile and click on Properties
- In the new Mail dialogue box, hit Data Files key
- From Name, choose Personal Folders Service
- Go to Settings and find the location of exported PST file
- Close all Properties screen
- Copy the PST file to another drive
- Finally, copy this replica file to your new computer
Way #2: Procedure to Copy Data from Old Outlook (by copying Single Folders)
You can also try to copy single folders from Outlook. This is the another way of transferring Outlook data to a new computer.
- Open Outlook application and go to File menu
- Select Options then, Advanced
- Go to Export section and hit Export button
- In Import and Export Wizard, opt Export to a file and proceed
- In Export to a File pop-up, choose Outlook Data File(.pst) and Next
- Mark folder to copy and go Next
- Browse the location to save exported .pst file
- Use Save exported file name as and name the new .pst file
- Finally, hit the Finish, provide password and complete the process
Additional Info: In case, you are dealing with Outlook OST file instead of PST and facing any issue in your OST file, then convert your OST using Remo OST to PST Converter first, and move the newly created .pst into your new computer.
Part 2: Guideline to Transfer Outlook Data File to New computer:
The final part is to copy the Outlook PST file/Outlook data to your new computer and upload it into your newly configured Outlook application on the new machine.
So, following are the steps to import Outlook data/.pst file into new Windows computer.
- Open your Outlook application on the new system
- Go to File, select Open and opt Import
- In Import and Export Wizard, choose Import from another program or file
- Hit Next, go to the location where the newly created .pst file is saved (copied file from old computer)
- Select the copied Outlook data file(.pst) and proceed
- Opt Options and choose Do not import duplicates
- Click on Next button
- Finally, choose the folders which you need to import and Finish the process
This is the manual method of transferring Outlook data to a new computer. And, many efficient automated professional tools are available to make your job much easier. So, learn each of these techniques and decide what would be the best way to copy your Outlook data file to a new computer.