How to Backup Outlook PST Files – Best Practices

If you want to secure your Outlook data files and protect your data from any threats or deletions. Then, just back up them, and it’s quite an easy task if executed with the right tools and solutions. Therefore, here we describe the best solutions to backup PST files for free. Ultimately, experts recommend opting for a trusted and verified PST Converter Tool for ease.

Why Backup Outlook PST File?

The most common factors that make it essential for users to backup PST are:

• Reduce the size of Oversized PSTs to avoid file corruption.
• Free up the storage space and perform a smooth exchange of data.
• Restore data without extra effort or costs, and have access anytime.
• Data protection from failures, unwanted threats, or breaches.
• To store data for a longer period than usual and avoid unauthorized access.

Which Methods Assist Backup PST Files?

Several methods are present to backup Outlook PST data including free manual solutions and an automated tool. The manual methods are more in number but contain limitations. Whereas, an expert tool is a direct solution with unique options. Let’s understand them in detail.

Which Professional Tool Backup PST in MS Outlook?

Cigati PST Converter is a notable software with several advanced features to make the backup process feasible. It supports adding multiple PSTs of any size at once and saving them to different file formats. Additionally, backup PST to other email clients of your choice instantly on any Windows OS without Outlook. Moreover, it provides users with a simple interface for increased productivity.

Steps to Backup PST File in Outlook

1. Install and launch the tool and select a file option of your choice. Tap Next.
2. Locate and pick PST files/folders and click Open to add them. Hit Next.
3. Further, preview the folders in the tree structure and select for backup.
4. Click Next and opt for a file format or email client for saving.
5. Accordingly, apply filters on the new file and provide a location.
6. At last, click the Convert option to complete backing PST files.

Solutions for Backing up Outlook PST Files Manually

There are many methods for free PST file backup. Their complete procedure is described here.

Method 1: Backup with Import/Export Feature

1. Start the Outlook application and in the top menu, find the File tab.
2. Click it and browse to the option Open & Export. Next, click on Import/Export.
3. In the wizard dialog, select the option Export to a file. Click Next.
4. After that, choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit the Next button.
5. In the next window, select the folder that you want to backup in Outlook.
6. Click Next and later, Browse to enter the destination for saving PST.
7. Lastly, hit Finish to end the process and complete the PST backup.

Method 2: Backup PST File via Windows Backup

1. Open Control Panel and press System & Security >> Backup & Restore.
2. Select the option to Set up a Backup and complete the instructions on the screen.
3. Afterward, specify the location of the drive where to save and tap Next.
4. Subsequently, to add PST files to the backup, press Let me choose to navigate.
5. At last, press the Save Settings button and run the backup currently or create a schedule for the later backup.

Method 3: Backup Outlook PST File by Other Options

1. Firstly, go to the location where your Outlook PST is stored.
2. Copy the PST file from there and move to the new location where you need to create a backup.
3. Then, Paste the copied file and all your data will be saved. Otherwise, drag and drop the same.
4. Alternatively, you can complete this backup with the Save As option in your Outlook profile.
5. Or, to create a PDF of your Outlook PST emails, simply select email and press Ctrl + P >> Print.

Are there any Drawbacks to These Manual Solutions?

Yes, there are a few limitations to these methods as given below:

• Processes are not easy to apply for beginner users and may take time if the file is large.
• Chances of errors and data misinterpretations/alterations, or loss.
• No additional filtering or PST file backup in batch options.
• It can be confusing and even a single change in step can lead to more difficulties.

Conclusion

To sum up, backup is a very necessary aspect when dealing with emails and other crucial data items. It helps to solve all the big issues for our data and restore it easily without many worries. Here, we discussed four solutions to backup PST file. Each method is unique and enables a convenient PST backup. However, the manual methods are sometimes not accurate. Thus, at such times a professional tool is an optimum and secure way out.

You May Also Read: How to Backup OST File in Outlook

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