Recreate a new PST file

[StainlessSteelRat]

Hi folks,

A friend of mine seems to have a corrupted Outlook setup.

His 500Mb or so PST file appears twice on the left-hand pane, and when he
tries to view properties on either of them he gets an error. I've verified
for sure that only one PST file physically exists on the PC. This also
causes problems with his address book, and he gets an error when he tries to
access it. Although he can cancel this and then it works.

I've tried moving the PST file, but when Outlook starts it cannot find it
(of course) and exits. It doesn't give the option to create a new PST file.

I was thinking of moving the contents to a separate "archive" PST file, and
then trying to generate a new blank PST file. Anyone have any ideas how to
do this?

I'm loathed to uninstall Office if it all does when I reinstall is use the
same settings and file.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

The user corrupted his profile, most likely by migrating his data
incorrectly.
Just create a new profile and set it to use the correct PST file as its
default.
I assume you know how. You failed to post your Outlook version.

 

[StainlessSteelRat]

The user corrupted his profile, most likely by migrating his data
incorrectly.
Just create a new profile and set it to use the correct PST file as
its default.
I assume you know how. You failed to post your Outlook version.

The PST file was backed up when the PC was installed, then replaced when
Outlook (2003) was reinstalled.

All was fine for the first few days, and then this happened. Although
they're not sure how.

I'm not sure how you would create a new profile offhand, is it
straightforward?

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

It is.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;829918&Product=out2003
But be aware that this new profile will still create its own new default PST
file and you will still need to migrate the old PST file correctly:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

 

[StainlessSteelRat]

It is.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;829918&Product=out2003
But be aware that this new profile will still create its own new
default PST file and you will still need to migrate the old PST file
correctly:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx

OK, thanks for your help, I'll give this a try...