Outlook - making desktop & laptop sync

donny-gal

I download my emails into Outlook (2003) I would like to do this on my desktop when at home, but also be able to do this on my laptop when away (frequently) and then re-sync when I return home.

I do have a small network HDD if this helps.

Any ideas how to do this?
DG

donny-gal

Bump! anyone?
DG

lee634

Make sure you are using IMAP4 for your mail server instead of POP3, this will ensure you mails are on both you home PC and Laptop, as mail is stored on the server

[Deleted User]

You'll need to Backup the .PST file for each account on the desktop then copy it across to the laptop where you'll need to Import it into Outlook when you want to take the laptop away, and perform the opposite when you return.


Here's the Microsoft article about how to do it

Debt_Free_Chick

Unlikely that you can sync using offline files on the laptop (like you do with the network, at work) as you need MS Exchange for this.

Eagle15

I do this by copying the outlook.pst file from my desktop to my laptop; and then back when appropriate. The only potential issue is if someone 'checks for new mail' on the machine that is not currently the 'master' one.

donny-gal

Thanks guys, I have been doing the copy method for some time now, but whether I copy or export/import the account information "disappears" and I end up re-entering it, not a massive job and it does keep the passwords in my head, but wondered if I could use something like My Briefcase, I have Vista Premium Home on the desktop and Vista Business on the Laptop.

Lee - could you explain the IMAP4 a little more for me please?

DG

miniemma

I do this by ticking the 'leave a copy on the server' in the mail account on my laptop.

This is not ideal but works for me as I don't use the laptop as often as you may.

It means I can receive my emails on the laptop but they also arrive on my PC. BUT it doesn't let me see any emails that were received or sent from the PC. It also means I don't have a copy of the mail I my sent from the laptop on the PC.

donny-gal

Unfortunately I like to see all the mails, so don't like that option thanks.
DG

KathysBoy

donny-gal wrote: »

Unfortunately I like to see all the mails, so don't like that option thanks.
DG

You could try moving the location of the PST file to USB drive, and then you would just need to just plug it into whichever computer you are using. Alternatively you could store the file on the network HDD, and use Live Mesh to access the file (although you'd need to use a "magic packet" to wake it up).

Live mesh is a Microsoft product which is currently in Beta, but works really well. I've been using it for about 6 months woth no problems. It's similar to Logmein, except that you can copy files across the network, which you can only do with Logmein if you have the paid version. I have a desktop in my downstairs office, and if I'm using the laptop upstairs I use this to access my desktop etc

Information on Live Mesh is here

lee634

Take a look at this for the differences between pop3 and imap4