Recently, I was reading through some technical forums and happened upon an entire page of frustrated individuals who have lost data from their Microsoft Outlook account. Here’s an example of just one situation. This is a direct quote from a question and answer tech site:
“One day I could not open Outlook. I was getting a message that said it’s not a personal file folder. I tried everything I could think of like restoring to a certain prior point etc. Then I researched. What I learned was that there is a limit to the size your Outlook files can use up. I think that might be what caused it, but I could not find any further information. There was no warning, and no instructions for fixing whatever happened. My computer people looked at it and said that there were programs that might work but that costs money.”
That certainly doesn’t sound promising. If you Google the phrase “Outlook lost data” there are a disturbing number of do-it-yourselfers out there who are offering help to panicked Outlook users who have found themselves in this unfortunate situation.
How Can I Lose My Data?
Many businesses rely on their Outlook accounts just as they would a personal desktop rolodex. There’s just one problem with that way of thinking. Although Outlook does connect with the internet to import messages, send files, and store contact lists, it is part of your Microsoft Windows Operating System. What does that mean to you? I’m glad you asked. That means that although Outlook connects with the internet to send and receive emails, electronic business cards, and files, all of your data is stored on your hard drive. This, of course, puts you at risk to lose all of your data along with any saved files or emails.
- If your computer is damaged, lost, or stolen, you may never retrieve this information.
- Potential loss of data also comes whenever you decide to upgrade from one version of Windows to the next.
- Simply switching over to a new computer can cause headaches and possible data loss.
- Storing large files definitely causes a problem, as stated in the example above.
Should I Switch to a Different Email Provider?
Overall, Microsoft Outlook is a very efficient business tool that can streamline your contact efforts and make your business life a little easier. We don’t recommend that you pack up your things and get outta Dodge.
What’s the Solution?
You could, of course, back up your Outlook files and contact information and save them to your computer, but you’d still lose your information if your computer is lost, damaged, or stolen. You could also back up your files to a CD, although CD’s can become lost or mysteriously corrupt at the most inopportune times.
Backing up your Outlook data to My Docs Online is a simple process, and we even provide you with step-by-step instructions. You can use your My Docs Online account for much more than just your client files or sensitive information files. Use your account to store any type of personal or business data that you don’t want to lose. A regular backup of your Outlook files will give you peace of mind and keep you from weeks of headaches searching for the answers in technical forums or with your computer repair service.
Make file backups a regular part of your weekly tasks and soon it will become second nature to you. Don’t put your business at risk. Find out about My Docs Online and how we can meet your needs today.