Hi all - I have a problem with Outlook that perhaps somebody has seen. I'm installing Outlook 2003 on a new PC with XP SP 3. When opening Outlook, it errors and says: "Unable to open your default email folders. Outlook could not start becuase a data file to send and receive mail could not be found. To add a data file, such as a personal folder file, double-click the Mail icon in Wondows Control Panel" I've done as Outlook suggested. No data files are visible. When attempting to Add new files, it blocks my ability to add any file names. when I click on "Tell Me More" I get a bunch of BS help files that provide me with no good information. When checking email account information, destinations for new email is also blanked. I've tried adding new accts but the same problem appears. My IT guy did not use the MS Exchange Server, so I'm using the PST file type, not the OST. Any suggestions?

codymika, SWAG, suspect your trouble stems from the way Windows recognizes your user 'level'. Try 'taking ownership' so you're recognized as administrator with full rights. See if that helps. HTH. Ed in Texas.

Go to Control Panel, Mail, Data Files, Add, OK, browse to the location where you want your email/Contacts, etc. to be stored, and name the file Outlook, Mail, or whatever you want it to be. Then click OK and OK again. Open Outlook, click through any errors, close Outlook, then reopen. Then, you can create your accounts and configure Outlook. FYI, for future reference, Outlook questions should be posted in the Office Software Forum. "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

Thanks Ed and Jennifer. Ed, yes I have admin rights throughout. Jennifer, I believe that Outlook blanks out my ability to browse to new locations, but I can't be certain. I was called away on business in Arizona and will return on Wed to test your idea. I recall trying to do this, and even pointing Outlook to the subdirectory where the file resides and then restarting, but no luck. I hope it works, but it could require a re-install, again. Thanks for the tip on the mispost; I may repost in the software forum. Best, codymika