How to Move Your Outlook PST Archive to a New Location to Avoid Syncing Issues (Windows Only)

If your PST archive file is stored in the Documents folder, it may get synced by OneDrive or another cloud service, potentially causing damage to the file or hindering the syncing process. Follow these steps to move your PST file to a new directory and update Outlook settings to reference the new location.
Note: PST Archives may be stored in other locations on your computer depending on the version of Outlook you are using. If you would like assistance with locating/moving your PST Archive(s), please contact the ITS Help Desk.

Step 1: Create a New Directory in Your User Profile

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the root of your User Profile:

   • Path: C:\Users\<Your Username>

3. Right-click in the main pane and select New > Folder.

4. Name the new folder Outlook Files.

Note: This new folder will not be synced by OneDrive or other syncing services since it’s outside the Documents folder.

Step 2: Move the PST File to the New Directory

1. Make sure Outlook is closed on your computer before the following steps.

2. In File Explorer, navigate to the current location of your PST archive file:

   • Typically, this is in C:\Users\<Your Username>\Documents\Outlook Files.

3. Locate your PST file (usually named something like Archive.pst).

4. Right-click the PST file and select Copy.

5. Navigate back to the new Outlook Files folder you created in your user profile.

6. Right-click in the folder and select Paste to copy the PST file to this location.

Important: Do not delete the original PST file yet. First, confirm that Outlook connects to the new location successfully.

Step 3: Disconnect the Original PST Archive in Outlook

1. Open Outlook 2021.

2. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.

3. In the Data Files tab, find the PST archive file you want to move (it will display the old path in Documents).

4. Select the PST file and click Remove. Confirm if prompted.

Note: Removing the data file does not delete it; it just disconnects Outlook from that file.

Step 4: Reconnect the PST Archive from the New Location

1. In the Account Settings window, click Add in the Data Files tab.

2. Navigate to the new Outlook Files folder:

   • Path: C:\Users\<Your Username>\Outlook Files

3. Select the PST file you moved to this location (e.g., Archive.pst) and click OK.

4. The archive file will now be connected from the new location.

Step 5: Confirm and Test the New Setup

1. Go back to your main Outlook window and check if your archive folder and emails are accessible.

2. Once confirmed, you can delete the original PST file from the Documents folder to prevent accidental syncing.

Older versions of Outlook may store your PST Archive(s) in another directory outside of your Documents folder. If you would like assistance with these steps, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at itshelpdesk@fairfield.edu