Cannot get Outlook to set up in a single data file.

The only problem is when you create your account, before you have the chance to import anything... The personal folders pst will be created. Thats more or less where you were in the begining.

With the exception that you can change the pst file thats created (with your email address) to point to a different pst.

Which it occured to me. Looking at my first post, what about changing the email address pst to point to personal folders.pst? At least then you would have a single file. I can rework the procedure if you like.

In 2007, it does not give me the option to pnt the email address to a different pst. I wish it did, but I do not see that option..

We can accomplish that using the same method in my first post. Just using diff file names...

While Outlook is closed delete (rename) the pst file with your email address. Open regedit and navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook\Catalog

Deleted the key that corresponds with the pst file (email address). Start Oulook and it will tell you it couldnt find the file and to browse for/open a pst file to use.

Browse/choose either the personal folders pst or another pst file that you would like to use.

In the email accounts, data files tab you can remove any obsolete pst files.

Unbelievably, I still cannot get this to work. If I follow those last instructions to the wrote, it simply comes up and creates a brand new pst file every time for my email address, and the other default pst also shows.. I tried uninstalling microsoft office completely using online instructions, and am getting the same results.. I am completely at a loss.

What I need is a way to backend change the default pst file so that I can make my email file the default, then delete the non-default empty pst that I cannot currently get rid of..

This problem has proved to be a real challenge. I was hoping that of all the users on this forum someone might have more insight than myself. I keep thinking I am over looking something.

But I have not given up yet. Still searching and testing.

This is expected behaviour. I recently built a machine for someone who likes to use Outlook and I was also confused for a while. The IMAP pst is really only a cache for the server data. The personal folders pst is where contacts are stored permanently.

Outlook Tips : Tip 558: Move an IMAP *.PST is a useful reference.

Yes but is there a way to make an IMAP pst the default mail folder in Outlook?

Having chased the same objective recently I'm not sure you can. I gave up as I realised it's only a user education issue.

The only thing is, it used to be possible, at least in XP running Office 2007. In other words, she used to have this capability, but now in Windows 7, for the life of me I cannot get her IMAP file to be default.. Not sure what would be different in 7. I run gmail which I understand is IMAP, and have no problems running it with Outlook in Windows 7 in just 1 default folder... This problem may be specific to AOL.. I do not know..