Outlook IMAP and PST files
I have a client with a IMAP mail server and using Outlook as the client. We configure IMAP through Outlook and all the email works correctly, however, the original Outlook PST file remains and there is no use for it, and we are unable to delete it. Does anybody know how to remove it so that Outlook only recognises the IMAP setup, or even just hide the PST folder set?
ASKER
I have tried both Outlook XP/2002 and 2003, but predominantly 2003.
Thanks for your reply.
Thanks for your reply.
Hello hainsNET,
You cannot delete the the original personal folder because it is the default personal folder.
You can create a new PST file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829971
Then go to File > Data File Management and make the new PST file the new PST the default PST or personal folder. Then move the old PST file to an archive location.
PST file is located in C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook folder. It is a hidden file, so you have to unhide hidden files. Open Windows Explorer folder and select Tools > Folders Options > View. Check "Show hidden files and folders". Click OK.
Hope this helps!
war1
You cannot delete the the original personal folder because it is the default personal folder.
You can create a new PST file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829971
Then go to File > Data File Management and make the new PST file the new PST the default PST or personal folder. Then move the old PST file to an archive location.
PST file is located in C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook folder. It is a hidden file, so you have to unhide hidden files. Open Windows Explorer folder and select Tools > Folders Options > View. Check "Show hidden files and folders". Click OK.
Hope this helps!
war1
ASKER
Hi. Thanks for this. Im OK with managing PST files generally - unfortunately done this for many years, but with an IMAP account I saw no reason for that existing PST file to be present. It only confuses the users and IMAP is "live" anyway.
So no experience re this IMAP issue?
So no experience re this IMAP issue?
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hainsNET,
I thought I answered your question. Since IMAP PST is a temporary file, you cannot make it the default Personal Folder. You need to have a default PST or personal folder, so you cannot delete a default file.
Keep the Local Folders file closed (not expanded), and do not use it.
I thought I answered your question. Since IMAP PST is a temporary file, you cannot make it the default Personal Folder. You need to have a default PST or personal folder, so you cannot delete a default file.
Keep the Local Folders file closed (not expanded), and do not use it.
ASKER
Hi War1.
As the users became confused with the Personal Folders (default Outlook file) and the IMAP set of folders, I was hoping to eliminate having the default set there altogether. I chose IMAP as this way they have a 'live' copy of the email visble on the client as well as through their webmail. If there was a way to have it sync automatically from the client workstation and webmail then I'd do it that way, but it looks like IMAP was the way to go.
So to address your comment, yes you did answer my question about Outlook handles the default file vs IMAP, but I guess I'm not able to achieve what I'd like.
Thanks for your help on this. I will accept this as my answer.
Cheers,
Greg
As the users became confused with the Personal Folders (default Outlook file) and the IMAP set of folders, I was hoping to eliminate having the default set there altogether. I chose IMAP as this way they have a 'live' copy of the email visble on the client as well as through their webmail. If there was a way to have it sync automatically from the client workstation and webmail then I'd do it that way, but it looks like IMAP was the way to go.
So to address your comment, yes you did answer my question about Outlook handles the default file vs IMAP, but I guess I'm not able to achieve what I'd like.
Thanks for your help on this. I will accept this as my answer.
Cheers,
Greg
ASKER
Thanks.
If I understand the question correctly, I've run into this as well. I would like to find a proper way to configure an imap acct and have it loaded into the 'home' location with no other pst's in sight - just like exchange
i've tried in both 2003 & 2007 and it's always an ordeal. i end up deleting and defaulting and losing my mind.
i've tried in both 2003 & 2007 and it's always an ordeal. i end up deleting and defaulting and losing my mind.
Please advise which version of outlook you are running.
-FB