# Copying Outlook Files

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-outlook-files/762071>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 7, 2016, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-outlook-files/762071 "2016-08-07T19:33:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\
**Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-outlook-files/762071/1 "2016-08-07T19:33:52Z")

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Hi All …

Need answer fast

I am trying to transfer all my email from an old an unreliable laptop to a newer one

When I export using the outlook function - it is encrypting my files, and the computer, for whatever reason, likes to freeze when I try to uncheck the encryption box in properties

Instead of exporting - can I just go directly to the file location, copy the .pst file and then import to the new computer from the portable hardrive, without having to go through the “export” malarkey?

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**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\
**Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-outlook-files/762071/2 "2016-08-07T19:37:41Z")

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I’m guessing I should use the files in the app data folder?

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**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\
**Post date:** [August 8, 2016, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-outlook-files/762071/3 "2016-08-08T02:33:12Z")

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[By default, an Microsoft Outlook PST file is located at: “C:\Users\ \AppData\Local\MicrosoftOutlook” under Windows 7 or Vista and at: C:\Documents and Settings\ \Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\ under Windows XP. To learn the exact location of your PST file go to “Tools”\>”Options”\>”Mail Setup”\>”Data Files” in case you are using Outlook 2002 to 2007. If you are using Outlook 2010 go to “File”\>”Info”\>”Account Settings”\>”Account Settings”\>”Data Files”.](http://www.safepstbackup.com/pst-file-outlook-files-export-move.aspx)

The link also includes instructions for copying it to a new computer and opening it from a new Outlook installation.