backing up outlook pst files with outlook open (Windows Vista)

I use a backup service called Data Deposit Box that automatically
backs up key files to a remote server via the internet. This is great
for my laptop when I am on the road, where I don't have to manually
backup my system. It backs up the difference between local and remote
files every time it sees a change in the file on the local machine. I
would like to backup my outlook.pst file with this service, however it
won't backup files that are locked. And I would rather not keep
closing and reopening outlook just so the backup can take place. I am
currently using Windows XP and plan to upgrade to Vista. Does Vista
still prevent other applications from accessing .PST files when
outlook is open? I am hoping Windows Vista has solved this problem
where other applications can access a snapshot of open files such as
pst files.

Vista is not involved in this so don't expect it to solve your issue. Even
if you manage to unlock the pst-file while Outlook is open, it is very
likely that you only create corrupted backups.

--
Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more

http://www.msoutlook.info/
Real World Questions, Real World Answers

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<techman41973@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1192481534.390038.113090@v23g2000prn.googlegr oups.com...
> I use a backup service called Data Deposit Box that automatically
> backs up key files to a remote server via the internet. This is great
> for my laptop when I am on the road, where I don't have to manually
> backup my system. It backs up the difference between local and remote
> files every time it sees a change in the file on the local machine. I
> would like to backup my outlook.pst file with this service, however it
> won't backup files that are locked. And I would rather not keep
> closing and reopening outlook just so the backup can take place. I am
> currently using Windows XP and plan to upgrade to Vista. Does Vista
> still prevent other applications from accessing .PST files when
> outlook is open? I am hoping Windows Vista has solved this problem
> where other applications can access a snapshot of open files such as
> pst files.
>

No, Vista doesn't "fix" this because it ain't "broke". Some files cannot
safely be backed up while in use and PST files are among them.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] rgharper@gmail.com
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
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<techman41973@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1192481534.390038.113090@v23g2000prn.googlegr oups.com...
>I use a backup service called Data Deposit Box that automatically
> backs up key files to a remote server via the internet. This is great
> for my laptop when I am on the road, where I don't have to manually
> backup my system. It backs up the difference between local and remote
> files every time it sees a change in the file on the local machine. I
> would like to backup my outlook.pst file with this service, however it
> won't backup files that are locked. And I would rather not keep
> closing and reopening outlook just so the backup can take place. I am
> currently using Windows XP and plan to upgrade to Vista. Does Vista
> still prevent other applications from accessing .PST files when
> outlook is open? I am hoping Windows Vista has solved this problem
> where other applications can access a snapshot of open files such as
> pst files.
>

"Richard G. Harper" <rgharper@email.com> wrote in message
news:e7XpT93DIHA.3712@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> No, Vista doesn't "fix" this because it ain't "broke". Some files cannot
> safely be backed up while in use and PST files are among them.

Memeo appears to be able to backup pst files on the fly.
It has certainly done so for me and I have recovered using them too.