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Software To Backup Outlook

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by the prouddad

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I've noticed several programs are advertised specifically for backing up MS
Outlook. One example is a program found at www.outlookbackup.com

Is there any reason why using MS SyncToy offline and Carbonite or Mozy
online to back up Outlook (contacts, emails, settings, dates, tasks, etc)
isn't just as effective?

In other words, what will a program such as the outlook backup program found
at www.outlookbackup.com do for me that conventional backups as described in
the last paragraph won't already do?

12 replies

by seanferd

-Claims of no data loss problems.
-Ease of sync and transfer
-Easy to use GUI
-Can back up all data and settings

Looks like Mozy would require you to select all pertinent data files yourself, not sure what Outlook settings you could back up with this.

If all you want to do is back up the PST file, then what do any of these offer beyond drag-and-drop or xcopy?

Not sure about the MS Sync-Toy, if it offers all the sync or backup you need, and the backup and encryption options you want, no need to get anything new, really.

I think the biggest points of the Outlook Backup are:
-Easy to use for folks with little technical skills.
-Backup directly to optical media. (Or anywhere, including online backup solutions.)
-Dedicated program that does all the Outlook backup/sync functions in one place, with no non-Outlook options to confuse the inexperienced.

Of course, the other thing is just that someone is trying to sell something, and they think their something is better, cheaper, faster, whatever.

Not sure about the program in question, but sometimes 3rd party apps do a better job of backing up settings than the MS offerings.

Looks easier in general in Outlook 2007 to get everything backed up straight from Outlook itself. http://www.sitedeveloper.ws/tutorials/outlook.htm

I guess it all depends on what you want from a backup option.

by the scummy one

cannot be used to backup to a network share. Only local copies. This is probably why there are several others out there.

Personally, I prefer full drive backups myself

by charliespencer

He's posted a couple of questions too. One is unrelated to this topic, while the other is the same question but without an external link.

by seanferd

Most spamming types will post a functioning link, not just the address.

To me, it sounded more like, "What's the point of this software?" A question that should be asked more frequently, I think.

I just worked on the assumption that the OP is fishing for answers, not spamming. I usually check for multiple posts if something seems possibly a little spammy when it isn't blatant.

by the prouddad

Thanks Seanferd, you got it. I brought up the website address of the software twice because I wanted to be as specific as possible with my question. I feel that people frequently respond to what they THINK or WANT to read rather than the question actually written.

No, I have no connection with any company selling Outlook backup programs. I simply found myself so frustrated with my fellow geeks reading this post and my inquiries to the manufacturers themselves. I asked the question "what's the point...." or "what can this program do that I can't do manually" in every which-way and it's like pulling teeth to get a straight, concise answer. I've since learned (after a number of followups)that I can perform most of the functions that Outlook backup programs perform, manually. But some of the settings, toolbar, autocomplete and password data is buried in other areas of the OS and the registry. Why the Outlook backup programs don't back this stuff up, I don't know. But at least I finally have an answer to my question. Whew! Thanks.

by seanferd

I'm glad that you found the information you were looking for. And thanks for your feedback.

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