What is the default location of the Outlook "OST" and "PST files?

In case you need to find the default location of the Outlook "OST" and "PST files for Outlook 2000-2010 - it is found under the user profile at the following locations by default depending on the Windows OS you are running:

Windows 9x/2K/XP -
C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Windows Vista/7 -
C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

As a side note for those who are interested in such things:

Microsoft Office Outlook 2003-2007 both have a different format and a larger overall size limit for the personal folders (.pst) file than the .pst files that are in the earlier versions of Microsoft Outlook.

By default, .pst files are in the Unicode format in Outlook 2007 and in Outlook 2003. Additionally, the overall size of the .pst files has a limit that is more than the 2-GB limit that is imposed by the ANSI .pst files. By default, the limit for a Unicode .pst file in Outlook 2007 and in Outlook 2003 is configured to be 20 GB.

As in earlier versions of Outlook, Outlook 2003 Internet Message Access Protocol Version 4rev1 (IMAP4) accounts and HTTP accounts use .pst files that do not use the Unicode format. Therefore, the .pst files for IMAP or HTTP accounts in Outlook 2003 are limited to 2 GB.

In Outlook 2007, the Internet Message Access Protocol Version 4rev1 (IMAP4) accounts and HTTP accounts do use Unicode format .pst files and are not limited to 2 GB.

IT Troubleshooting Method Frameworks

There are many ways to troubleshoot IT/network issues. Here are some of the tried and true methods that will help you apply a structured approach to getting to the root cause of an issue:

 

• Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting Method - utilizes the OSI Model to help isolate the source of the issue
• Medical Practioners SOAP note - an acronym for the subjective, objective, assessment, and plan diagnostic technique

Jonathan Feldman, author of "Sams Teach Yourself Network Troubleshooting in 24 hours", also adds some additional methods under what he calls "Black Box Troubleshooting":

• The Delta Method: Identifying Network Change
• The Napoleon Method: Divide and Conquer
• The Sesame Street Method: Using What Works
• The Simple Simon Method: Consultations and Support.

I can't recommend this book enough for new IT professionals and even us veterans. While there is some good reference material on the internet about this subject, Jonathan's book is the best spend for your money and time. While some of the sections are dated due to the publication date of the book, about 80% of the information is still totally applicable as it is based on principles and not products.

I'll discuss the Troubleshooting Frameworks in future blog posts, but while you are waiting... go buy Jonathan's book and start reading. :)

Note for troubleshooting network/internet connectivity on a windows workstation:

If you are unable to browse the internet

1. Check workstation IP, is it static or DHCP?

2. If using DHCP, release and renew workstation IP.

3. Reset winsock through netsh.

4. Check for a proxy, there are none.

5. Reboot

6. Set the static DNS entries to 192.168.1.1 (i.e. local router/gateway address), and 4.2.2.1 (verizon L3 router).

7. Reboot router and DSL/CABLE/FIOS modem.

*&(@%#$! Malware!

Some people have way too much damn free time and access to internet-connected computers. Seriously. Mix in an ample helping of "Douchebag" and you have Malware programmers.

The number of computers on which I have to perform malware/virus removals on a regular basis seems to increase daily. Based on this I am going to hazard a guess that you have had or are having trouble with malware on your computer.

Well I have some good news for you, there is hope. Some people out there are using their free time to do good in coding up counter measures to all this *&(@%#$! Malware.

There are 3 Anti-Malware tools that I use most to deal with malware infections: Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware, SUPERAntiSpyware and ComboFix. I'll summarize each below.

There is a fourth indespensible tool which I use: www.bleepingcomputer.com/malware-removal/ which has the best Virus and Malware removal guides around. They are a one-stop shop for taking care of annoying computer issues. You should be able to find out how to remove whatever is bothering your computer there.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

MalwareBytes (MBAM) - the freeware edition can be used to detect and remove malware by launching the software and starting a manual scan. MBAM's malware definitions are updated constantly throughout the day and it has excellent protection against all the new malware that comes out. The are more advanced features you can purchase in the commercial full version which include real-time protection that will protect you from being infected in the first place.

SUPERAntiSpyware

SUPERAntiSpyware scans your computer for known Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers and many other types of threats, and allows you to remove or quarantine them. It offers daily (manual) definition updates, as well as home page hijack protection and customizable scan options. The program includes a Repair feature that allows you to restore various settings which are often changed by malware programs, but usually not corrected by simply removing the malware. The free version lacks real-time blocking and protection as well as several other advanced options.

ComboFix

is an excellent freeware malware discovery and removal tool created by sUBs of bleepingcomputer.com. It scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. I have used it frequently to remove some of the most stubborn malware infections when nothing else would work.

In addition to being able to remove many of the most common and current malware infections, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by experienced users to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program.

It is hosted exclusively at http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

** sUBs welcomes contributions to help finance development ComboFix via PayPal via a link at the webpage listed above. sUBs is doing a great job and if you have the means please do donate.