Which one is right way to back up Outlook 2013 Archives - import/ export ethod or copy archive file from my documents

Once emails have been archived and you know archive is working properly, I simply copy the archive PST files to the backup media. There is no risk to losing emails that I know of - I have not lost emails in about a decade of backing them up. It is faster than importing/exporting and just as safe.

Dear Clark Kent,


Why do you say this ?
On the other hand, export features in quite better than copying the data file from one location to another and also offer various filter levels so a user could move their necessary data instead of moving the entire database.

This will be a direct answer to my question? What makes you think export feature is much better than copy the .pst file from My Documents ? Also copying this file when Outlook is open with the live profile is it safe?

Thank you in advance.

Harry S

Once archived, I do not see a need to filter data again. That is my view, of course. But I like to keep the archive intact as one PST. That is why I just copy them.

Dear HariHaran,

“Export” option in Microsoft Outlook offers various filtration level so a user could only transfer required data.

See the image given  below (in this image you can choose the particular email address and export all the emails which are correlated with it):

Thanks & Regards
Clark Kent

I will accept this as an answer as it gives additional filter options.
Thank you
Harry S