How do I access my pst files from backup in Outlook 2007?

**newhaven** · 11-05-2010

Hi
I pretty new to this and not very bright about this.
My computer recently crashed, when I restored it it gave me the option to save all of the old data into a file- windows old.
When it came to reinstalling all of the backed up data I couldn't reinstall the outlook files including the calendar and emails.
When I access the files I can get right through to the Outlook pst. but it won't let me access them. I have tried to copy it over to the new Outlook, but then it states that the files isn't a pst.
Please help as I am at my wits end and really need a couple of emails of the backup!!
Thanks

**Eric B** · 11-05-2010

For taking the backup you have to follow these simple steps
1. Close any messaging programs such as Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, or Microsoft Windows Messaging.
2. Click Start, and then click Run. Copy and paste (or type) the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:
control panel
Control Panel opens.

Note If you see the Pick a category screen, click User Accounts, and then go to step 3.
3. Double-click the Mail icon.
4. Click Show Profiles.
5. Click the appropriate profile, and then click Properties.
6. Click Data Files.
7. Under Name, click the Personal Folders Service that you want to back up. By default, this service is called Personal Folders. However, it may be named something else.
8 Click Settings, and then note the path and file name that appears.

Note Because the .pst file contains all data that is stored in the MAPI folders that Outlook uses, the file can be very large. To reduce the size of the .pst file, click Compact Now in the Settings window.
9 Close all the Properties windows.
10 Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to copy the file that you noted in step 8. You can copy the file to another location on the hard disk drive or to any kind of removable storage media, such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a portable hard disk drive, a magnetic tape cassette, or any other storage device.