I have Outlook 2002 on Win2000.  I use POP3 mail accounts.  I am
trying to copy my outlook.pst file to a CDR or CD-RW so I can read it
on another machine.  So far i have tried copying the file to a temp
directory, then using regular copy to burn it into the CD.  Then i go
to Outlook on the same machine, so far, and try to open it as an
outlook data file.  But I get the error message: file access is
denied;  you do not have permission to access.  I thought I might need
a .pst file password, so I tried to create one.  That didn't help. As
far as I know I never had a .pst password.  Also, I have recently
reformatted my drive from FAT to NTFS.  Don't know if that is a
factor.  I have called MSFT and they don't have any answer.  A related
question:  to delete all my email on my machine, can i simply delete
the .pst file???

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Request for Question Clarification by answerguru-ga on 22 Nov 2003 14:59 PST

Hi there,

I can help with this, but I just want to confirm that you are
essentially trying to move all the data associated with your current
outlook installation to another machine.

answerguru-ga

"Then i go to Outlook on the same machine, so far, and try to open it
as an outlook data file."

Why are you trying to open the file on the same machine? 

My suggestion:

Use the Import and Export Wizard found in the file menu, select
'Export to a file', Next, 'Personal Folder File', Next, click on the
top folder and then check the box 'Include subfolders', Next, then
enter the directory and filename where you want to save it, then
Finish, then OK.

Now that I think about it, you might have done that already. But I
just want to verify that you took those steps.

Also, try right clicking on the exported .pst file and select
Properties, then select the security tab. Make sure that Everyone has
read access. If you're concerned about security, delete the exported
file as soon as you burn it. Then you just have to keep the CD in a
safe place or smash it into tiny bits.

When files are stored on a CD they are marked Read-Only.  When you
copy them back on to a hard-disk they remain Read-Only.  I would
suggest you check the attributes (open with Explorer, Right-Click, and
see if Read-Only is checked).

Outlook PST files must be read-write.

Good Luck