All your Outlook 2000 items, such as e-mail or contacts, and any files attached to those items, are stored in one data file, called a personal folders file. This file has the extension .pst, and is commonly called a .pst file. If you're using the Corporate or Workgroup configuration of Outlook, your .pst file usually is stored on your e-mail server, which is maintained by your administrator. If you're using the Internet Mail Only configuration of Outlook, your .pst file usually is stored under the Windows folder on your hard disk. The file name of your main data file usually is Mailbox.pst.

The first time you archive and back up folders, a .pst file for each of these functions is created in addition to your main data file. These usually are called Archive.pst and Backup.pst.

To find your .pst files on your hard disk

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type *.pst.
3. In the Look in box, select the appropriate drive.
4. Click Find Now.
   
   

    Note   If you're using the Corporate or Workgroup configuration of Outlook, your .pst file might not be on your hard disk, but on your server.

You can create your own personal folders files and keep them wherever you want on your hard disk. For example, you might want to keep most of your calendar items on the .pst file located on your corporate server so people can view your calendar. But you also might create a private calendar folder and store it in a .pst file on your hard disk.

Create a personal folder file

1. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Personal Folders File (.pst).
2. In the Save in box, choose the location on your hard disk where you want the folder to be stored.
3. In the File name box, type a name for the file.
4. Click Create.
5. In the Name box, type the name you want Outlook to display in the Folder List if you want it to be different from the file name you created in step 3.
   For information about encryption or passwords, click the Help button.

Your personal folder file is added to the Outlook Folder List. You can now add folders and items to it.