What I tried doing is, save the file which is in My Documents\Outlook\Outlook.pst Then When I installed office after a format, I launched Outlook for the first time then closed it and deleted the My Documents\Outlook\Outlook.pst then replaced it with my previously backed *.pst file My contacts in the address book were the same and so were the emails but I had to re do all the options, signatures, font settings of Outlook Is what I did even right? What is the proper way to fully backup Outlook with all the signatures, settings, emails, and how to restore it? Also, what if the person is not using POP with his Outlook, is there a need and a way to back it up if he is using IMAP ? aren't all the emails stored on the server anyway? so no need for backup right or is there a way to back it up as well? Please help me as the google search results leads to endless threads with no answer really