Tip 17: Avoid using Import and Export

Avoid using Import and Export to move or copy items to a PST.

Why? Because Import and Export only moves the Outlook items – messages, contacts, tasks, appointments, journal, or notes – not special items like Views and Forms.

Import and Export also breaks the link between items and their associated contact. Use Move to retain the links.

Create a new PST using File, New, Outlook data store (or Personal folders). Drag the items to the new PST — right click and drag to choose between Copy and Move. You can also select the item(s) or folder, then right click and choose Move to Folder from the context menu.

Published August 13, 2003. Last reviewed on July 22, 2014.