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contents of outlook disappeared on re-start

Owen Martin 0 Reputation points
2026-06-03T21:20:43.5066667+00:00

I did a successful archive of all my outlook yesterday. This morning when outlook is opened, there is nothing, a new unblemished version of outlook with nothing in it. Where has it all gone?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-03T21:21:08.51+00:00

    The most likely cause is that Outlook is either:

    1. Showing an empty view because of filters or a different view, or
    2. Now using a different data file/profile than the one that contains the archived items.

    Try these steps in Classic Outlook for Windows:

    1. Check if items are being filtered out
      1. Go to the folder that should contain your mail (for example, Inbox).
      2. On the ribbon, select View.
      3. In the Current View area, select View Settings.
      4. Select Filter.
      5. On each tab (Tasks, More Choices, Advanced), remove or clear any conditions that might filter messages (such as date, read/unread, importance, etc.).
      6. Apply the changes and see if messages reappear.
      Items often “disappear” because a filter is hiding them; they are not actually deleted.
    2. Check other folders and data files
      1. Press Ctrl+6 to switch to Folder List view so all folders and data files are visible.
      2. Look for:
        • An Archive data file or folder tree that contains your archived mail.
        • Any additional Outlook Data File (.pst) entries that might hold your previous content.
      3. Expand those folder trees to see whether your archived messages are there.
    3. If you recently repaired or changed data files If an Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) or similar action was run, Outlook may have created a rebuilt data file and placed recovered items in a Recovered Personal Folders tree, with a Lost and Found folder under it. Use Ctrl+6 to look for:
      • Recovered Personal Folders
      • Lost and Found
      If found, you can create a new .pst and move items into it:
      1. Select File → Account Settings → Account Settings → Data Files tab.
      2. Select Add, create a new Outlook Data (.pst) file, and select OK.
      3. In Folder List view, drag items from Recovered Personal Folders / Lost and Found into the new .pst’s folders.

    If none of the above shows your content, also verify that Outlook is opening the expected profile and data file (for example, that it did not start with a brand-new profile pointing to an empty .pst).

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Owen Martin 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-04T10:03:24.3166667+00:00

    My email remains on my providers server, I inadvertently entered duplicated profiles, can I delete these 2 profiles, then re-enter my current one, without affecting the emails on the server? My understanding being that once I have correct settings with profile, I ought to be able to download my email again then back up on On My Computer?? Thank you for your time. [PII: Removed]

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  3. Alice-N 10,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-04T08:05:57.05+00:00

    Hi Owen Martin

    I understand you are experiencing an issue where your Outlook content appears to be missing after a restart following an archive. I’m happy to help. Please confirm:

    • Do you see your .pst or archive file under Data Files?
    • Does Outlook show multiple profiles?
    • Is the .pst stored in OneDrive or a local folder?

    Meanwhile, please also follow these steps:

    Step 1: Check if Outlook opened with the wrong profile

    • Open Outlook
    • Go to:  File > Account Settings > Change Profile
    • Outlook will close
    • Reopen Outlook and select the correct profile if prompted

    Step 2: Check if your data file is still attached

    If Outlook looks like a new mailbox, verify your data file:

    • Go to: File > Account Settings > Account Settings
    • Open the Data Files tab
    • Review which data file is listed as default

    Step 3: Open the archive (.pst) file manually

    If your archive exists but is not visible:

    • Go to: File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File
    • Browse to your .pst file
    • Select Open
    • The file will appear in the Folder Pane (usually at the bottom)

    Step 4: Locate your archive file

    If you cannot find the archive:

    Check common locations:

    • Documents\Outlook Files
    • C:\Users<your username>\Documents\Outlook Files

    Step 5: Repair the .pst file (if it won’t open)

    If Outlook shows errors:

    • Close Outlook
    • Open SCANPST.EXE (Inbox Repair Tool)
    • Click Browse and select your .pst file
    • Click Start to scan
    • Click Repair if errors are found
    • Reopen Outlook

    See: Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost) - Microsoft Support

    Step 6: Repair your Outlook profile

    If your mailbox itself appears empty:

    • Go to: File > Account Settings > Account Settings
    • Select your account under the Email tab
    • Click Repair (if available)
    • Follow the prompts

    Step 7: Ensure Outlook uses the correct profile

    If Outlook keeps opening the empty profile:

    • Go to: File > Account Settings > Change Profile
    • Enable prompt for profile selection at startup
    • Choose the correct profile as default

    Step 8: Check if the .pst is stored in OneDrive

    If your .pst file is stored in OneDrive:

    • Move the file to a local folder (e.g., Documents)
    • Reopen Outlook and add the file again

    Large .pst files in OneDrive can cause syncing and access issues.

    Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!  

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