PST synching question?

[kita]

Currently I put my pst file (desktop) on a usb disk and then load it
to my laptop and work on it. Later I reverse the process, like at the
end of the day when I want to put it back on the desktop with updates.

Question: Is this dangerous/risky or would it be better to use a
synching program to sychronize pst changes from laptop to/from
desktop?

I've had no problems yet but I am wondering am I taking any risk, and
since I have seen a lot of synching programs (indicating that pst
download/upload is not too popular) maybe I am doing it wrong.

Thanks

Kita

 

[Gordon]

Currently I put my pst file (desktop) on a usb disk and then load it
to my laptop and work on it. Later I reverse the process, like at the
end of the day when I want to put it back on the desktop with updates.

Question: Is this dangerous/risky or would it be better to use a
synching program to sychronize pst changes from laptop to/from
desktop?

I've had no problems yet but I am wondering am I taking any risk, and
since I have seen a lot of synching programs (indicating that pst
download/upload is not too popular) maybe I am doing it wrong.

Thanks

Kita

I would carry on doing what you are doing, with the proviso of making
frequent backup copies of your pst file....

 

[p]

Currently I put my pst file (desktop) on a usb disk and then load it
to my laptop and work on it. Later I reverse the process, like at the
end of the day when I want to put it back on the desktop with updates.

Question: Is this dangerous/risky or would it be better to use a
synching program to sychronize pst changes from laptop to/from
desktop?

I've had no problems yet but I am wondering am I taking any risk, and
since I have seen a lot of synching programs (indicating that pst
download/upload is not too popular) maybe I am doing it wrong.

Thanks

Kita

How do you "load it to your laptop"?

P

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Should work fine and is more reliable than a syncing program. Just be aware
that Outlook has grown increasingly intolerant of how you connect to a data
file. The only correct way to do so in later versions is to open that file
in the Outlook profile using File > Open > Outlook Data File... Anything
else risks corrupting the profile.

 

[kita]

Thanks all, I put it in the same data file folder that the laptop uses
(or grabs it from).

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Bad idea. Too likely you'll overwrite another PST file and corrupt your data
or your profile. Read my post.

 

[kita]

Russ so I'm clear are you saying to only open the file and work on it.
For example currently the pst file on the USB drive is the copy, and
I make changes on my laptop (normal outlook stuff). What I do is copy
that file overwriting the desktop file (and vice versa). All files are
the same. No problems yet.

Based on your suggestion I would only open the file from the USB drive
onto the desktop. But when I close the file (on USB drive) what
remains on the desktop? In other words will the desktop file
automatically sych?

Sorry to drag this out, btw I use 2007.

Kita

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

You never overwrite a PST file. The only way you can connect to a PST file
reliably is to open it within the Outlook profile in which you want to use
it. After that, it is your choice what you do with it. You can either make
it your default file and use it or you can copy the updated information from
it into your current default file.
There are simply no easy ways to synchronize Outlook data outside of the
Exchange environment.

 

[kita]

Thanks Russ, I do have a more advanced toolbar on my desktop as well
as other configs I made over the years. I did notice that the laptop
never picked those up.


Great info!

Kita