Creating a backup file, exporting (copying) the contents of the message folder to a using the Import and Export Wizard. This creates the backup .pst file. You can then copy the .pst file onto a CD or DVD for safekeeping or to move the data to another computer with Outlook installed.

1. On the File menu, click Import and Export.
2. Click Export to a file, and then click Next.
3. In the list, click Personal Folder File (.pst), and then click Next.
4. Click the folder that contains the messages you want to back up. If the folder contains a subfolder that you want to include, select the Include Subfolders check box, and then click Next.
5. Under Save exported file as, click Browse, and then specify a name and location for your backup file, for example, Mail Backup.
6. Click Finish.

To import the PST file into the new computer do the following.

1. On the File menu, click Import and Export.
2. Click Import from another program or file, and then click Next.
3. Click Personal Folder File (.pst), and then click Next.
4. In the File to import box, specify the path and file name of the .pst file you want to import.
5. Click one of the following:

Replace duplicates with items imported Existing data will be overwritten with the information in the file being imported.
Allow duplicates to be created Existing data will not be overwritten, and duplicate information will be added to the current Outlook folder.
Do not import duplicate items Existing data will be kept, and the duplicate information in the file will not be copied to the current Outlook folder.

1. Follow the remaining instructions in the Import and Export Wizard.