How to transfer Outlook data from one computer to another computer

You cannot share or synchronize .pst files between one computer and another computer. However, you can still transfer Outlook data from one computer to another computer.

Use the instructions in the "How to make a backup copy of a .pst file" section to copy the .pst file to a CD or DVD-ROM or other portable media, or copy the file to another computer over a LAN/WAN link.

Note

Connecting to .pst files over LAN/WAN links is not supported, and problems connecting to .pst files over such links can occur. See the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information:

You might also want to create a new, secondary .pst file that is intended for transferring data only. Save the data that you want to transfer in this new .pst file and omit any data that you do not want to transfer. If you have to make a secondary .pst file to store data for transfer between two computers, or for backup purposes, use the following steps.

In Outlook 2010:

1. Select the File tab.
2. In the Info category, select the Account Settings button and then select Account Settings.
3. In the Account Settings window, select the Data Files tab.
4. Select Add, select Outlook data file (.pst), and then select OK.
5. Type a unique name for the new .pst file. For example, type Transfer.pst, and then select OK.
6. Close Outlook.

In earlier versions of Outlook:

1. On the File menu, point to New, and then select Outlook Data File.
2. Type a unique name for the new .pst file. For example, type Transfer.pst, and then select OK.
3. Type a display name for the Personal Folders file, and then select OK.
4. Close Outlook.

Follow these steps to copy an existing .pst file:

1. Use the instructions in the "How to make a backup copy of a .pst file" section to make a backup copy of the .pst file that you want to transfer. Make sure that you copy the backup .pst file to a CD-ROM or to another kind of removable media.
2. Copy the backup .pst file from the removable media to the second computer.
3. Follow the steps in the "How to import .pst file data into Outlook" section to import the .pst file data into Outlook on the second computer.