How to Export and Backup Outlook Emails for Free?
If Outlook is an important part of your work, it is a good idea to backup your Outlook emails routinely. Even, if your emails are stored on a server, it does not mean that they are safe. You might quit working for the company you are now at and lose access to the server, or the server might lose your data. In any case, there are easy ways to back up your outlook emails.
- Manually save the required emails by simply drag and drop out of your Outlook window, to a Windows folder. TIP: you can name your Windows folder with the date you saved your emails, this way. So the next time you need to back them up, you know where you have left off.
- Use third-party software, such as Syncsi to backup your Outlook emails to a portable storage. While this way is not free, as a bonus, you can also preview your backups without Outlook at any time.
- Use Outlook export feature to export emails to a PST file. You can find this function (on Outlook 2013) by going to File > Open & Export > Import/Export. Choose, "Export to a file" option. You have two options here:
- Comma Separated Values - an openly supported file format, which can be used virtually anywhere as it is based on a simple text. Choose this format for best availability.
- Outlook Data File (PST) - Outlook specific file format, which can only be used by Outlook. Choose this format if you are planning to leave Outlook behind.
A habit of exporting and backing up Outlook emails is a good to have. Especially, if Outlook is really important in your professional or personal communication. Do this at least monthly, to be prepared for everything.