Tip 218: Changing the Attachment Folder

Outlook doesn't offer a way to change the folder that is opened when you use the File, Insert or File, Save menus, without changing the My Documents location other programs use.

If you are using Windows 7 or Windows 8, add your favorite folders to the Favorites list.

To avoid moving My Documents and providing quick access to your most used folders, you can use the Places bar feature (Windows XP and older) to add shortcuts to the preferred folders. Once the folder is changed, Outlook will continue to use it until you select a new folder or close and restart Outlook.

In Outlook (or any other Office program):

1. Use File, Save to open an Office Explorer.
2. Browse to the folder's location, selecting the folder but not opening it.
3. Click on Tools button and select Add to My Places from the dropdown.
4. A shortcut to the folder is added to the places bar for all Office applications.

You can add places to the windows places bar as well. See Places Bar Customizations or use Tweak UI.

Published January 10, 2005. Last reviewed on July 18, 2014.

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Tip 26: Changing the Default Attachment DirectoryTip 27: Attachments and the SecureTemp FolderTip 16: Changing Outlook's Startup FolderBeginning with some versions of Office 2000, activation is required if you want to continue to use Office applications after 50 usTip 53: Saving your Office Activation