Outlook files remain on the hard disk after you remove Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007

This article discusses why some Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007 files remain on the hard disk after you remove Outlook.

By default, Outlook user data files remain on the hard disk after you remove Outlook. The Outlook user data files remain in case you reinstall Outlook. For example, when you remove Outlook, all Personal Folder files (.pst) remain on the hard disk. When you reinstall Outlook, you can use the .pst files that remain on the hard disk after you remove Outlook.

To locate the Outlook user data files that remain on your hard disk, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
2. Locate the Outlook user data files in the following folder:
   C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

If you do not want the files to remain on the hard disk, you must remove the files manually. To remove the files manually, locate the files on your hard disk, and then delete the files. By default, the folder that contains the Outlook user data files is hidden. To view these files, follow these steps:

1. Double-click My Computer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
3. Click the View tab.
4. Click to select the Show hidden files and folders check box.
5. Click OK.