An OST file is tied to a particular Exchange mailbox and Outlook mail profile. It is a local cache of the data on the server. You cannot use it to transport items between machines.

If, however, all three of your machines are set up to use Outlook 2003 in Cached Exchange mode, they will all contain the same data from the server in their OST files, and you will not need to move any data between machines.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.turtleflock.com/olconfig/index.htm
and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers
http://www.outlookcode.com/jumpstart.aspx

"Robert Kufrin" wrote in message ...
I am using Windows XP on two desktops and a laptop. I use Outlook 2003
for all my contacts and email. I have been copying and transporting my
pst file between home and office in order to always have the current
email and schedule information. We recently installed an Exchange 2003
server at the office and will be switching it on later this week.

I am trying to understand the differences between an ost file and a pst
file and how I could best move information back and forth. I would like
to use my office desktop as the primary computer which would be
connected to the exchange server. I have an office laptop that I move to
different locations off the network. Most frequently I copy my pst file
to my cruzer drive and move it to my home computer. After I am done with
emails I copy it back on the cruzer and take it back to the office.

I have satellite internet at home which is not very fast. Basically it
is just a little better than dialup (600k down and 100k up.)

I have been lookng at site information on setting up an ost file, but if
I do, then do I drop the pst file movement. Where is the best location
for me to figure it all out? My current pst file is around 60 megs and
will grow to about 150 megs by the end of the year.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciate.

Bob Kufrin