Published 2007-02-23

How to clean Outlook 2003 cache for better performances

Windows 2000 and XP

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open the folder "%userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook" by clicking Start, then Run, in the Open box type the folder path and then click OK.
   Delete all the files in this folder except the ".pst" files.
3. Outlook file extensions explained
   • .dat (Microsoft Outlook Data file) [info]
   • .fav (Microsoft Outlook Favorites file) [info]
   • .nk2 (Microsoft Outlook Nickname Cache file) [info]
   • .oab (Microsoft Outlook Offline Address Book file) [info]
   • .ops (Microsoft Office Profile Settings file) [info]
   • .ost (Microsoft Outlook Offline file) [info]
   • .pab (Microsoft Outlook Personal Address Book file) [info]
   • .pst (Microsoft Outlook Personal Folder File) [info]
   • .rwz (Microsoft Outlook Rules Wizard file) [info]
   • .srs (Microsoft Outlook Send-Receive Settings file) [info]
4. Reboot your Desktop or Laptop PC.
5. Restart Outlook by clicking Start, then Run, in the Open box type the command "outlook /cleanprofile" and then click OK.
6. Press F9 to do synchronization. All the files will be regenerated.