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How to Find Missing Archived Accounts and Folders in Outlook
Question details
The user needs to locate and restore missing archived accounts, email folders, or previously used email move destinations in Microsoft Outlook.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user is attempting to find archived folders or destinations for the Move command that no longer appear in the Outlook Navigation Pane.
- Observed behavior
- Archived accounts, restored email files, and previous email move destinations are missing from the Folder List, despite data files potentially existing on the device.
Confirm whether you are using the desktop application of Outlook for Windows or Mac, as the web version handles archiving differently. Ensure you know the approximate file location of your Outlook Data Files (.pst or .ost) on your computer.
Verify and Reattach Outlook Data Files
Use this method if your archived folders or restored emails do not appear in the Navigation Pane because the data file has been disconnected from your mail profile.
In Outlook, accounts and data files are managed separately. The Email tab lists your active accounts, while the Data Files tab manages your archives (.pst) and offline files (.ost). A data file must be attached to your profile before its folders can appear in the Navigation Pane.
Launch Outlook and navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
Click on the Email tab to ensure all your active email accounts are correctly listed and connected.
Switch to the Data Files tab to see if your archive file or restored-email file is listed.
If the required data file is missing, click the Add button, browse your computer to locate the correct Outlook data file (.pst), and attach it.
Restart Outlook and check the Folder List in the Navigation Pane. Your missing folders and Move destinations should now be visible.
Distinguish Between Archive Button and Move Destinations
Use this method if you are confused about where emails are routed when using the Archive button versus the manual Move command.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my data files not showing up in the Email tab?
The Email tab in Account Settings only lists your active email accounts. Your local Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost), which contain your archives and offline folders, are managed exclusively under the Data Files tab.
What should I do if my 'Move' destinations disappear in Outlook?
If previously used 'Move' destinations disappear, the data file containing those specific folders has likely been disconnected from your mail profile. Re-adding the data file via File > Account Settings > Data Files will restore access to those destinations.
How do I back up or locate my Outlook Data File (.pst)?
By default, Outlook Data Files are often saved in the 'Documents\Outlook Files' folder or the 'AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook' folder. You can find the exact path by opening Account Settings, selecting the Data Files tab, clicking your file, and choosing 'Open File Location'.
