If you use a POP or IMAP account, then all of your Outlook information is stored in an Outlook data file, also known as a Personal Folders File (.pst). You might also use an Outlook data file to backup messages or store older items to keep the size of your mailbox small.
By default, when you use Outlook's search tools, Outlook only searches the current mailbox. Any additional Outlook data files stored on your computer won't be searched unless you change your search scope to All Mailboxes.
You might also have an Outlook data file if you use AutoArchive with your Exchange server email account. This is a different feature than Archive button in Outlook 2016. For more information, see Archive in Outlook 2016. To see what your AutoArchive settings and location are, and for instructions to turn off AutoArchive, see Automatically move or delete older items with AutoArchive.
Search another Outlook data file
Open an Outlook data file
- In Outlook on your desktop (Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010), choose File > Open and Export > Open Outlook Data File.
- Choose the Outlook data file you want to open.
- Expand the top level of the Outlook data file in the Outlook Navigation pane to see the subfolders in the file. Click each subfolder to see the contents.
- To search for a specific email, use Outlook's built-in search tools.
- If you want to import your archived items back into your Inbox, follow the instructions for importing a .pst file.
Where is my .PST file?
- Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, and 10 drive:UsersuserDocumentsOutlook Filesarchive.pst
- Windows XPdrive:Documents and Settingsuser Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and Windows Vistadrive:UsersuserAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
- Windows XPdrive:Documents and Settingsuser Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookarchive.pst
Open an Outlook data file
- On the File menu, click Open > Outlook Data File.
- Select the Outlook Data file you want to open, and select Open.Important: If you can't find your .pst file, it may be hidden and you need to display the file location.
Change your search scope
- On the Tools menu, click Instant Search, and then click Search Options. Alternatively, click the arrow in the Instant Search pane, and then click Search Options.
- Under the When searching, show results from heading, use the All folders checkbox rather than Only the current selected folder.
I can't find my .pst file
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and Vista C:UsersYourUserNameAppDataLocalMicrosoftOutlookArchive.pst
- Microsoft Windows XP C:Documents and SettingsYourUserName Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftOutlookArchive.pst
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Appearance and Personalization.
- Click Folder Options.
- On the View tab, under Advanced settings, under Files and Folders, under Hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files and folders.
- Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Folder Options.
- On the View tab, click the Show hidden files and folders option.
Related Topics
Dancing man gif animation. Switch to another Outlook e-mail profile
Create a new e-mail profile
Back up, restore, or delete items using AutoArchive
Archive items manually