Tip 571: Backup files used by Office

Do you need to backup (or delete) the custom.dic, signatures, templates, Outlook’s nickname cache, or stationery? Paste this command in the address bar of Windows Explorer then press Enter to open the folder path.

%appdata%\Microsoft

These files, and more, are stored in subfolders under the Microsoft folder.

In Windows 7 and up, that command opens Windows Explorer to C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft.

In Windows XP it opens C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft.

This file path is marked hidden, but you can see them without changing your Hidden files and folders setting using this method.

Published December 5, 2008. Last reviewed on November 3, 2012.

Related posts:

Can't Print in Outlook?Where are my Outlook Files?If you installed Outlook 2007 on Vista and are having problems with the password not getting saved, type (or paste) shell:dpapiKeyTip 481: Outlook 2007 Passwords Won't SaveThe first step in troubleshooting problems with Outlook is to try a new profile, except for Outlook 98/2000 in Internet mode only.Tip 159: Troubleshooting Outlook 101