Exchange server 2003 .pst file storage

15 pts.
Tags:
.PST files
Exchange storage
Microsoft Exchange 2003
Microsoft Outlook 2003
Hi Guys

I need to know how does Exchange server 2003 store e-mails eg I have a workstation that is configured to use exchange mail via Outlook 2003, and I need to format it and I can`t see the .pst file from this machine. Is it saved somewhere on Exchange Server.

My clients/workstations are running on a domain environment and everything is working fine except this challenge I`m facing.



Software/Hardware used:
Exchange Server 2003 and Outlook 2003
Asked: Last updated:
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Hi LITParadise,

That user/workstation is probably using <i>Exchange cached mode</i>.
In this mode, there is no .pst file. Instead, Outlook uses an .ost file usualy placed in C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\outlook.ost

In this case, my advice is telling you to “export” this users mailbox.
You can do it easily in Outlook -> File -> Import and Export -> Select Export to a file -> Personal folders file (.pst) then select the root of the mailbox and put a checkmark in Include subfolders. Wait until it ends. Depending on the mailbox size, this might take several minutes.

Once the machine is formated, invert the process, i.e. import the exported file.

HTH

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  • Subhendu Sen
    As Saturno suggestion is good ! try out this and hope it overcomes ur problems.
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  • Stevesz
    If he is using cached mode in Outlook 2003, he does have an OST file. This file is merely a copy of the mailbox as it exists on the server. There is no need to export the mail, contacts, etc. from the OST to a PST unless he is no longer going to have the direct Exchange connection. When he is done with the machine, and sets up Outlook with the server, the OST will rebuild itself. What he may wish to concern himself with, if it is being returned to the same user, is the saving of rules and the nickname file, especially the latter. My opinion is that both should be rebuilt from scratch, but you would not believe user complaints if the nickname file is missing because the user does not see the names appearing as they type.
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  • KFaganJr
    I agree with StevesZ regarding not exporting mail, contacts, etc. That would add more complication to the task when the data exists already. I would do a search for any *.pst files in case any archives were created that you may not know about. There is a list of important files to migrate over at http://www.try2stop.us/it/post/important-files-and-folders-when-migrating-new-computer. Items like auto complete, custom dictionaries and quick access tool bars. The locations are for Windows 7, if you are using XP and need help finding them let me know I have a list of them as well.
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  • Technochic
    In addition, even if they are not using cached mode, all the mail, calendar, contacts etc. are still going to be located on the Exchange Server in the Exchange mail store. Cached mode has nothing to do with the location of the email etc. Once the user logs back in and connects, cached mode or no, they will see the entire contents of their existing mailbox on the Exchange Server.
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