Recover disappeared Rules and Alerts in Outlook

If Outlook Rules and Alerts have disappeared, you may still be able to recover them from your Outlook Data File. This guide explains where Outlook rules are stored, how to find and export existing rules from a PST or OST file, and how to import them back into Outlook.

Where are Outlook Rules stored?

There are two types of rules in Outlook: server-side and client-only rules. Server-based or client-based rules don't indicate where they are stored, but where they are being processed. When you use a Microsoft Exchange account or an Outlook.com account in Outlook, the rules are synchronized and are available on both the server side and the client side. If you use POP e-mail account (such as Yahoo) or IMAP e-mail account (such as Google), the rules aren't synced.

Since Outlook 2003, Outlook rules are stored in PST and OST files, rather than in the RWZ file previously associated with an Outlook profile.

Since Outlook 2010, rules are stored on a per-mailbox basis. If multiple accounts deliver email to the same Outlook Data File (PST or OST) or Exchange mailbox, they are treated as a single mailbox.

Backup Outlook Rules

When rules are synchronized or if you use a POP or IMAP account, you can back up your Outlook Data File (.pst and .ost), and you will automatically have a backup of your rules as well. You can create a backup copy of your rules by exporting rules to a .rwz file, so that you can transfer rules from one computer to another or share them with others.

How to recover missing Outlook Rules

To recover missing Outlook rules, open the Outlook Data File in PST Walker, locate the Outlook Rules Organizer, and export the Rules and Alerts data to an RWZ file. If your Outlook profile contains multiple mailboxes, repeat these steps for each Outlook Data File.

1. Close Microsoft Outlook and any other applications that may be accessing your Outlook mailbox.
2. Download and run PST Walker Viewer. Then, proceed to browse for the .pst or .ost file.
   Download Toggle Dropdown

   • PST Walker Installer (.exe)
   • PST Walker Portable (.zip)
3. Select Inbox folder in All Folders pane and click Folder MAPI properties toolbar button.
   
4. In the Inbox properties window, select Associated Contents tab and find Outlook Rules Organizer (IPM.RuleOrganizer) in the left pane.
5. Click View Rules and Alerts button.
   
6. In the Rules and Alerts window, preview rules and click Export Rules... button.
   

How to import Outlook Rules in Outlook

When you import rules, they are added to the end of the list of rules. You can import only one set of rules at a time.

1. in Outlook, open Rules and Alerts dialog.
   • Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010
     File-> Manage Rules & Alerts
     
     
   • Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003
     Tools-> Rules and Alerts…
2. If you have more than one e-mail account, in the Apply changes to this folder list, select the Inbox you want and click Options.
   
3. Click Import Rules.
   
4. In the File name box, type the path and file name (Outlook.rwz) for the set of rules you want to import.
5. If you want to import a file that contains rules other than Rules Wizard rules, such as rules that are compatible with previous versions of Microsoft Outlook, click the file type in the Files of type list.
6. Click Open.

At this point your rules will be created once you click Ok, then Apply.

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