![Diane Poremsky [Outlook MVP]](http://www.outlook-tips.net/images/2014/MVP_BlueOnly.png)
Three times last week I received messages that went something like this:
"Help me RESCUE data from CRASHED MS BCM! My computer with BCM installed (and full of my accounts) crashed. I had to pull the data off the drive, then reformat WINXP and go from there. I have reinstalled BCM, but am now LOST as to how/and where to find my accounts. (And nope,- I did not get to back them up.) I just want the data, the interlinks are not important."
Rule #1 – Back up your data often! BCM includes a backup utility that makes it easy – use it.
If you don't have a recent backup, you may be able to recover the data, if you have a copy of the two database files, ending with the extension LDF and MDF.
- Create a new database in BCM, naming it the same as your old database.
- Exit Outlook and stop the BCM service in Admin Tools, Services.
- Replace the new database files with your old ones, making sure the file names are identical.
- Restart the BCM service and Outlook.
See //www.slipstick.com/emo/2004/up040708.htm#bcm if you need more details, such as file locations.
Published April 4, 2005. Last updated on June 7, 2021.
