Using Microsoft’s addin for Outlook 2002 and later, you can easily backup your PST file to the location of your choosing.  I recommend copying it off your local hard drive to a USB drive or CD/DVD.

First off, download the Personal Folders Backup addin from Microsoft.  Once downloaded, close out of Outlook and run the installation program which is named pfbackup.exe.

When complete, reopen Outlook and complete the steps below to regularly back up your Outlook data.

1. From your Outlook toolbar, click File and then Backup



2. You will be presented with the Outlook Personal Folder Backup utility.  Click the Options… button.



3. The following screen will display the Outlook data files available for backup.  Place a check next to the PSTs you’d like to backup and specify the backup location for file.  Remember!  Off your local PC is best!  You may also select the option to be reminded every X number of days to backup your files.  When complete, click OK.



4. Next, click Save Backup to complete the configuration.



5. The next time you close Outlook, the backup will run.

Backups are an essential part of any standard PC maintenance plan.  Be sure and include the Personal Folders Backup utility as part of yours.