'Lost' Outlook Files

[wolsty]

Combination of laziness, stupidity (on my part) and unstble Windows 98 platform (on B Gates' part). PC crashed whilst Outlook was open. Reboot, followed by Scandisk, followed by deletion of lost clusters (yes, I really did delete them without creating an undo file!). Open Outlook: no data.

Have copied Archive, Backup and Outlook .pst files to CD. They won't open or import to Outlook on reinstalled Windows 98 system. More frighteningly, they won't open or import to Son's Outlook on XP Professional system. Error message states: file access denied. You do not have the permission required to access the file d:\archive.pst.

I know the data are in there, but how do I get them back?

Grateful for any suggestions.

 

[rolfw]

Try copying the files to your hard drive first Wolsty and make sure that the attributes aren't set to read only. I remember having similar difficulty after burning something to CD.

 

[wolsty]

@ Rolf

Copied files to hard disk and checked properties. None is read only. Archive is 204 MB and Backup is 49 MB, so they contain a lot of data! By contrast the Outlook file is 16 KB.

Unfortunately, however, your suggestion didn't work. If I click on a file and 'open with' Outlook, I simply get Word as an e-mail editor and the file appears as an attachment. If I then try to open it, the PC will hang. It seems that all three files have been corrupted and produce similar responses under XP as they did under 98.

Although my diary and address list are backed up via my PDA, the serious loss is all my e-mails, only a few of which are backed up or on hard copy. I'd feel less bad about it if the data loss hadn't occurred when I was staring my much delayed backup!

Thanks for the suggestion, though.

 

[jimbo]

Two things you might do Wolsty.

1 Try using 'system file checker' which can restore damaged files.

2 Take a look here

Good luck anyway.

 

[wolsty]

@ Jimbo

I've had a look at the No 2 site. Looks interesting and, if I can't crack the problem with what I have, I'll give it a try.

Where do I find 'system file checker'?

Thanks for the suggestions and good wishes.

 

[jimbo]

Hi Wolsty........a happy Easter

System file checker is in 'Start - programs-accessories-system tools-system information'. When the Info window opens then go to 'Tools-system file checker'. You have the option of scanning all altered files or of selecting a specific one. Your inbox is 'mailbox.pst'.

Good luck mate ....give me a shout if you get stuck

 

[wolsty]

I'll be off line for a few days now, Jimbo. Helping Mum to move house. I'll try the routine when I get back on Thursday.

Have a good Easter.

 

[outlook_12345]

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