How to Move the Outlook 2010 Data File

Learn how to find and move Microsoft Outlook data file.

In this video tutorial we will show you how to move the outlook data file.

Go to the Windows "Start" menu and choose "Control panel". In the following window, press "User Accounts and Family Safety". In the next window, choose "Mail". In the following window, press "Data Files".

In the next window, select the account you wish to edit and press "Open File Location".

In the following window, right-click on the data file that you want to move and choose "Cut". Then, paste the file where you want it. Close the window. Double-click on the account in the "account settings" window. In the appeared warning window you will see the message, "that data file cannot be found". Press "Ok".

In the following window, choose the file location where you moved the data file and press "Open". In next window, press "Ok". You can also move your other data file, if you have a few accounts. Select another account and then press "Open File Location". In the following window, right-click on the data file that you want to move and choose "Cut". Paste the file where you want it. Double-click on the moved data file account. In the warning window, press "Ok". In the next window, go to the location of the moved data file, select it and press "Open". In the next window, press "Ok".

Now you know how to move your Outlook data files.

[phoenixofdanile]

Worked perfectly in Outlook 2010. Instructions are clear and on point. Thanks!!!

[IonaCarr]

Moved my google account data file from C (SSD becoming too full) to E drive and thought all was well. However, I receive emails fine but can't send them - they just go to outbox and stay there. I have checked the account setting and outlook puts ticks in boxes and a test email is successfully sent and received received during the process. What has gone wrong? I wasn't able to move my outlook account but then I don't use it, could that be part of it. Must all active data files be collocated or on the primary drive.

[g.irawallace]

Does not work. Followed your instructions completely. Everytime I enter outlook after following your instructions, it creates a new data file in the old location. I need the damn file in my dropbox folder of which syncs to the cloud!!! Unbelievable!

[EricScoles]

DO NOT TRY TO USE THE STEPS IN THIS VIDEO. They WILL NOT work for at least some users.

Steps are inaccurate from 0:50 onward: double-clicking on the account either produces no result, or causes 'Properties' dialog to open. From the 'Properties' dialog it is possible to open the 'Data file settings' sub-dialog, but this simply causes a new, empty data file to be created at the old location.

[LinhNguyen-xfkm]

Hello.. When I do it. I can't send mail.. It reported "outlook data file cannot be accessed".
Please check it.

[jigsawCritic]

What can i do if i deleted the .pst file?

[AptusConsulting]

Microsoft is just such a terrible company. This is the closest I got to getting my Outlook to send to the right .PST file, but now I have 3 data locations for 1 email account, old emails in one account, new emails coming to another, I cannot delete any of them. I have reinstalled and configured the entire computer in the same amount of time as I have now spent on getting Outlook to change its data file location, and that still does not work. Every single day Microsoft finds a way to make the most simple things a 1/2 day time sync. It is no wonder the world is leaving them.

[rsingh]

Not working for me as well. O2013/Win7. Alsways made new ost