By default, XP places Outlook .PST files at:
C:\Documents and Settings\<insert your user name here>\Local
Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

The "Local Settings" folder is hidden, and not searched by default.  Modify
your search to include system and hidden folders and you should then find
your PST files.

If you customized the location, and can get into Outlook, you can go to:
Tools, Options, Mail Setup, Data Files to see where your current Outlook is
looking.

Ron Jobe

On Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 11:42 AM, Bruce Lund <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> eMachines D2880 running Windows XP home. Intel Motherboard
> had been replaced with HP 090 CL about a year ago which caused numerous
> problems that might have culminated in the crash that precipitated the
> current
> issue.
>
>
> I just did a non-destruct reinstall of windows and reinstalled Microsoft
> Office 2003. As I recall, Outlook files are .pst, however, is that for
> backup files or is that for live files, too? I need to find them to open
> them.
>
> My search function is crippled but I would really like to be able to figure
> out a way to recover those files from my hard drive. Currently I have no
> access to my calendar or contacts (and I have yet to get internet running,
> either, so I am dying here.)
>
> BTW, where, exactly, would those data files be located? Not to make
> anything easier, I have installed some of my programs on a partitioned D
> drive, so the data files might have been effected, too. If I had the search
> function working (and knew the file type) this would have been a piece of
> cake. But sign, life is not easy.
>
> Bruce
>
>              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
>                         support at our website:
>                          http://freepctech.com
>

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                         support at our website:
                          http://freepctech.com