Thanks a ton for your help.

After I changed the settings in my CP, the only two files that show are
'extend.dat' and 'outlook.pst'. I did a search for 'archive.pst' on my hard
drives and it came up with nothing. I don't think this looks good for me?

Do you know of any other settings that will automatically delete my stuff
without asking? This is a big deal that all my stuff's gone from last
November and prior, I can't imagine why settings are defaulted this way
without even prompting the user.

"Brian Tillman" wrote:

qtpa2t wrote:

when I click 'file', 'open', 'outlook data file', I have one option.
It says 'outlook' and has the outlook symbol next to it. It doesn't
have a file extension or anything.

You have the hiding of file types enabled, then. Control PanelAppearance
and ThemesFolder OptionsView. Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file
types". While you're there, also consider selecting the "Show hidden files
and folders" radio button just above that. Click OK.

By files of type, it says
'personal folders files'. When I choose to see 'all files', the only
add'l thing that comes up is a file called 'extend'.

Your archive PST doesn't have to be in that folder.

When I go to properties for the calendar, the autoarchive was set to
archive to: C:\Documents and Settings\Mom\Local Settings\Application
Data\Microsoft\Outlook\archive.pst --- but when I try to open an
archive file saved at that location, there isn't one. It was set to
archive using default settings but when I clicked on the default
settings tab, nothing was selected.

Perhaps because of the hidden files and folders setting in Control Panel you
weren't properly browsing this folder. Open Windows Explorer and enter
C:\Documents and Settings\Mom\Local Settings\Application
Data\Microsoft\Outlook in the Address field and click Go. If you don't have
an Address field, right-click the menu bar and check "Address Bar". See if
any PSTs other than "Outlook.pst" reside there.
--
Brian Tillman