I want to reformat my hardrive, but I don't want to loose the data I have in outlook. Is it possible to export my email, contacts, etc. to a file, save on a disk, and then import it back into outlook once I have reinstalled it?

Thanks
Jason

What version of Windows are you running?

Do you have a DVD burner or an external hard drive?

If external hard drive, how big?

Is it really required to format and reinstall? A lot of people seem to do this when it is totally uncalled for. There is a lasting ignorant mentality these days that the answer to all computer problems is "format and reinstall", so ... I gotta ask.

PS: http://www.argentuma.com/backup/outlook-backup.html

This will cover the process, but I'd still like to know the answers to the questions above - I can also tell you some great other ways to back up personal data, settings, files and everything using a simple tool. If you use Windows XP, "File and Settings Transfer Wizard" is a tool that comes with XP to let you backup your files/settings and re-import them on another computer or the same computer with a new version of XP.

Windows XP
I have a dvd burner, and a 1 gig memory stick
It is starting to run sluggish and I am sure there is a lot of crap on here I don't want. Also, I still have all the factory software from toshiba installed, and much of it I don't use.

I take it that you don't want the Toshiba factory software? There is a chance that you may be able to restore to the factory condition/state (it will wipe the drive and return to out-of-the-box mode) using the "recovery" CDs that ship with most name brand computers. I am pretty sure Toshiba is no different.


My advice, if you're dead set on format and reinstall rather than troubleshoot, repair and tweak:

* Follow this to cleanup any little files that shouldn't be archived: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showpost.php?p=1681268&postcount=4

* Follow this to backup your OST and PST files for Outlook and burn them to DVD --- NOTE: I assume you are NOT using Outlook Express, there IS a difference in procedure for each!: http://www.argentuma.com/backup/outlook-backup.html

* Go to Windows Update and make sure you have ALL security patches and updates for XP (except Driver updates) before proceeding to prevent problems later.

* Start the backup process: Create a folder on your C:\ drive named C:\BACKUP or something similar. Next, go into the Start Menu, go to Programs->Accessories->System Tools->File and Settings Transfer Wizard. To backup your current data, begin the wizard, choose "Old Computer" (next), choose "Other" and browse to choose C:\BACKUP as the destination (next), choose what to backup and check off "let me select custom list" if you have any folders you absolutely want to backup for transfer which may not already be in the list - notice that Outlook and Outlook Express are already in the backup list if you choose "files and settings" ;) (next). The backup should begin after a prompt or two. Once the backup is complete, burn the contents of the BACKUP folder to DVD *or* transfer it to a USB hard drive *or* I can help you to split it up onto multiple DVD's if you need to (if larger than 4GB) *or* you can partition your hard drive into two parts and copy the BACKUP folder to the new partition, then only format the C:\ partition, reinstall windows, then transfer the BACKUP folder back to C:\. A program like Partition Magic will help you partition easily.

Finally, on the bottom or back of your computer, you will find a Windows XP license sticker. You will need the serial number offo f it AND a copy of your XP install disc before you can proceed with format and reinstall. The key on your computer is only good for an OEM install, so if you are using a "Retail" or "Corporate" XP install disc, you will not be able to use your existing serial number.

* Once you reformat and reinstall XP, you will need to update XP to the latest and greatest using Windows Update, then you will open F.A.S.T. Wizard again, choose "New Computer" this time around, then point to the BACKUP folder again, and fire it up. If you choose not to update, you will end up with a version mismatch on F.A.S.T. and problems will probably come up with reimporting your data.

Hope this helps.