I am trying to back up onto an external drive my .pst contact files from Outlook. I get an error code Ox 80070021 that says that the files are being locked out by another program

You can't make an Outlook backup with Outlook open.  Close Outlook, make a copy of your existing .PST file and copy it to your external hard drive.  This backs up EVERYTHING, Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, email, etc.  You should NEVER use the .PST inport/export functions from within Outlook, they are broken and have been for a long time, they LOSE data, and they very often corrupt the Outlook profile in use.  If you ever have a problem, simply reconnect the copy:

Reconnect your old Outlook data file

Hal

-- 

Hal Hostetler, CPBE

Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP-Print/Imaging -- WA7BGX

www.kvoa.com -- KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. 

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This problem is caused by an MS Outlook Add In which prevents Outlook from closing down. The add in that is usually responsible for cauysing this problem is the one that search/indexing tool. The cure is very simple:

(i) With Outlook open go to Tools Menu

(ii)  Click on 'Trust Centre'

(iii) On the left hand pane, choose Add-Inns and then near the bottom of the window you'll see a button that will let you manage your COM Add-Ins.

(iv) Ensure the drop down box is set to 'COM Add-Ins' and then click GO

(v) Highlight Windows 'Search Email Indexer' and then click 'Remove'.

(vi) Click OK and then close Outlook.

(vii) Re-open Outlook and run the backup. (The program will tell you that Outlook needs to close first before backing up). All should then be OK.

If any problem contact me at *** Email address is removed for privacy ***

I hope this helps.

number (v) Highlight Windows 'Search Email Indexer' and then click 'Remove'.  is not on the list.

I am using Outlook 2007 and Windows 7.  PLEASE ADVISE

This problem is caused by an MS Outlook Add In which prevents Outlook from closing down. The add in that is usually responsible for cauysing this problem is the one that search/indexing tool. The cure is very simple:

(i) With Outlook open go to Tools Menu

(ii)  Click on 'Trust Centre'

(iii) On the left hand pane, choose Add-Inns and then near the bottom of the window you'll see a button that will let you manage your COM Add-Ins.

(iv) Ensure the drop down box is set to 'COM Add-Ins' and then click GO

(v) Highlight Windows 'Search Email Indexer' and then click 'Remove'.

(vi) Click OK and then close Outlook.

(vii) Re-open Outlook and run the backup. (The program will tell you that Outlook needs to close first before backing up). All should then be OK.

If any problem contact me at *** Email address is removed for privacy ***

I hope this helps.