The maximum size of a *.pst file is about 1.2 gig. Once they get to about a gig they get slow and unreliable in use.

This means the litle usb sticks are not always big enough.

Assuming you want to back up your *.pst file from laptop (without DVD writer) onto DVD, you will need a usb stck that is big enough, and your desktop will need a DVD writer. I use a dual layer because I have relocated my *psts into a folder which is part of "My Documents", as I have my download music, my download programs etc. So al I have to do for each backup is to copy "My Documents". A Dual Layer DVD writer will cost you about £30, and you can fit it into your desktop yourself, in place of one of your existing optical drives. One will write up to about 8 gig onto a dual layer DVD. A single layer DVD will probably not be big enough.

Followin gworks for Outlook.. Outlook Express is different.

Off the "New" tab, create a new pst.

Do a "find" for files named *.pst.

One will be huge. That's the one you want to copy! It will probably be called outlook.pst.

One will be dated as only just created. Remember that.

Rename it with a name to remind you of the backup date.

Make a copy in a folder created for the purpose.

Copy that folder to the usb stick.

Move the usb stick to the desktop.

Start the program (usually Nero) that came with the DVD drive.

Follow the instructions to burn to disk a copy of that special folder (from the usb stick), and put the disc on the shelf.

Delete the folder.

Delete the *.pst file that you renamed.

Rename the new pst file "outlook.pst".