Outlook 2010: Create and Save a custom view (how to export the view settings)

I went through the pain of creating a custom view in Outlook 2010 and have it applied to all folders. However, I do not know how to save these view settings externally (as if creating/exporting a .pst file), so if I were to reinstall Outlook, all I would have to do is to import these settings instead of having to start all over.

I am also confused as to why, when I created a new profile in Mail (control panel>user accounts>mail), my view settings were gone and the saved view from my previous profile was not available.

May 20th, 2010 1:53am

A view is a hidden message in your PST file. If you keep the same PST file you don't have to recreate the view. If you have a new PST file you lose the view definitions. Importing data from one PST file to another does not copy the views.
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May 20th, 2010 8:29pm

So, let's say I install Outlook and create a custom view. Let's then say that I am building a new machine and install Outlook on it. Before doing so, I created a .pst file. After installing Outlook, I import the .pst file. Are you saying that that the custom view settings are gone? If so, is there ANY manual workaround because I get really tired of spending time redoing things.

 

May 20th, 2010 10:20pm

Yes. Importing data does not copy the views.

The answer is to not import the data, just copy the PST file and set Outlook to use the copied PST file, not a new one.

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May 21st, 2010 12:26am

OK, I believe we're getting somewhere here. Now, I am comfortable using Outlook and changing settings and such, but I wouldn't be described as a power-user.

One thing I noticed in 2010 that wasn't (seemingly) available to earlier versions, is the ability to open a .pst file without having it automatically imported. A very nice feature.

For me, when I start Outlook, it starts the create an account wizard and I go through it. I have a (paid) MSN account, so I have to also install Outlook Connector in order to connect with my mail account. After a spell, all of my emails, folders, and calendar items will be available to me (i save my contacts info in a separate folder elsewhere and simply copy them over).

So, if you could humor me, can you give me the step-by-step here? I would greatly appreciate it.

 

May 21st, 2010 7:15am

You can create your account from Control Panel > Mail

 

You can use the Import and Export feature to export the PST and then import the PST as Simon said.

 

Export the settings from Account A.

=================

1.       Click the File menu, and choose Import and Export.

2.       In the Import and Export wizard, choose Export to a file.

3.       Under File Type, select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.

4.       Then, you can select the folders you want to export. Please choose the Tasks folder in the list, and note the password you created.

5.       Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the exporting process.

 

Import the settings to Account B.

==================

1.       Click the File menu, and choose Import and Export.

2.       Choose Import from another program or file.

3.       Under File Type, select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.

4.       Browse to the file you want to import. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the importing process.

 

Regards,

 

Sally Tang

 

 

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June 3rd, 2010 12:14pm

OK so I know this is late, but let me get this right: The .pst file (Which I know how to create via import/export) contains ALL CURRENT SETTINGS, such as views, columns, etc? Does Outlook create this .pst automatically and if so, where is it stored?

TIA

 

July 27th, 2011 3:58pm

Yes Outlook creates a PST file for you automatically otherwise it would not be able to store any data. By default it puts it in your local profile folder - c:\users\username\appdata\local\Microsoft\outlook.

 

You can find where yours is by opening the Account Settings dialog and looking at the bottom next to the Change Folder button.

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July 27th, 2011 5:35pm

I'd like to mention at this time that I am using Outlook Connector for MSN/WLHP email. Under 'Data Files', it reads 'Name: MSN', 'Location: Not Available'. However, I was able to find the .pst file you were talking about...Ihadn't thought to look in that folder (I had looked everywhere else!). If I'm reading you correctly, all I would have to do is to copy that file to a safe location and then after installing Outlook, put it back in this location and all will be as it was?

 

TIA

 

July 27th, 2011 5:54pm

Yes, the vast majority of Outlook settings and customizations are stored in the PST file. For others that aren't see the backup section of the  Slipstick.com website.

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July 27th, 2011 6:58pm

Thanks to all of you who have helped me so much in this quest. I really wish that MS would make it possible to easily create/import setting-customizations. I see some 3rd party tools and will investigate them thoroughly. :)

 

Peace-out.

 

July 28th, 2011 4:00am

I've tried this, and several other resources, and am having considerable trouble getting my view settings to move with the.pst from outlook 2000 to 2010. I've tried importing the pst, just copying the pst and opening to it (using both outlook odf and 97-2000 settings). Of the 40 or so times and variations I've tried this, to include any number of options and sequences, I've gotten the pst to move over twice where it kept the settings. And then they  disappear as soon as I leave the pst. I have a feeling that something in the 2010 view settings is overriding them and I am at a loss at this point. I'm going on nearly my third day of trying to find a solution on the many web sites - and trying every one I could find in any number of iterations and sequences.

The notes above from Sally and Simon saying the PST comes over with this data is information I've heard and read a LOT of times, but I don't know why that isn't a) consistent and b) permanent.

Any suggestions?

My biggest need is the conditional formatting - I've got hundreds of settings, as you can imagine over nearly 10 years of using the OL2000 for my mail. I don't want to have to re-do it all.

Thanks in advance.


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January 3rd, 2012 5:18am

Any luck on this issue? If so, pl share. I am also looking for easy solution over it..
August 19th, 2013 6:32pm

Never mind .. haven't stretch enough to get answer.. finally got it..

http://www.outlook-tips.net/how-to/copy-outlook-custom-views/

If any one wants it..

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August 19th, 2013 6:46pm

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