How to Recover Outlook E-Mail

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Don't fret if an email disappears, you can restore deleted files in Outlook.

If you are typing a lengthy email and Microsoft Outlook crashes or you accidentally delete the draft, you don't need to stress, you can recover the file. Microsoft Outlook is equipped with recovery software that lets you access deleted messages and drafts, but only if you use it in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange Server. Microsoft Exchange Server is the default server for Microsoft supported email accounts, but it is not used in conjunction with third-party email providers. Using features built into Outlook, you can recover deleted or lost items from the Microsoft server, often for up to 30 days after an email is lost.

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Step 1

Open Microsoft Outlook.

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Step 2

Click on the Outlook folder where your lost file was located. If you were typing a new message, click on the "Drafts" folder. Emails in-progress are periodically saved to this folder.

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Step 3

Click "Recover Deleted Items." A list of items removed from the folder will appear on the screen, including unsaved drafts.

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Step 4

Click to select the email you want to recover. You can select multiple items by holding the "Ctrl" key as you click on the items.

Step 5

Click "Recover Selected Items." The lost emails will be restored to your Outlook account.

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