Is there any way to 1. Change default location for inbox and addressbook. This I want so that if my computer crashes I will have all my addressbook and e-mails saved 2. How to create a shortcut on desktop to open compose mail straight away. Any sugestions are appreciated.

Your address book is a .pab file and your inbox (part of your local folders) is a .pst file. a search for *.pab; *.pst will tell you where they are. tools / services / personal address book will allow you to redirect where outlook will expect to find it. This can also be on a network rather than inside the computer. i'm not sure about relocating the .pst file but you can copy it to another name creating a backup of the current original file. I've seen no way to create an icon to go directly into composing a new message.

yes, the personal folder can be moved and mapped so Outlook will grab it from another location. So can the Personal Address Book. This is all done in Tools\Email Accounts. 1. Use "View or Change existing email accounts" map to the new location of your Personal folder. You will have to move the .pst file first before showing outlook where it is. Select "New Outlook Data file" on the bottom of the screen. Say "OK" to the next screen show Outlook where the .pst file is. 2. Use "View or change existing directories or address books" to map your personal address book in another location. You will need to move the .pab file first before showing Outlook where it is. Select Personal Address Book and click the "Change" button. Then select "Browse" to locate the moved .pab file. I hope this helps.