Backup and Restore Autocomplete cache (nk2) Microsoft Outlook

Backup & Restore Autocomplete Outlook 2010,2013,2016

Outlook Autocomplete

We know nk2 file in Outlook 2007, it is an auto-complete file which stores contacts, when we type a new message. This is an important file to most people, most of the people not aware this file until it is gone. Outlook 2010, Outlook 2013 & Outlook 2016 do not use nk2 file. They use Stream_Autocomplete_0_[long GUID].dat file to store the contacts.

Sample file:

Stream_Autocomplete_0_2BBC583DCAA0BA47856462709F11DCA9.dat 

It is located at the following location

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

OR

%localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

If you are going to format the pc or reinstalling Microsoft Outlook then we have to backup autocomplete file. Here I am describing step by step instruction with screenshot how to backup & restore autocomplete file.

Pls visit for video tutorial my Youtube channel My Pc Support.

1. Typing 'a' letter it is showing email address starting from 'a' letter

Autocomplete

2. Typing 'b' letter it is showing email address starting from 'b' letter

Autocomplete

3. Autocomplete file store location

Autocomplete

4. Activate hidden items in explorer

Autocomplete

5. Copy the Autocomplete location 

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

Outlook

Outlook

6.  Open the Autocomplete location 

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

Look at Stream_Autocomplete_0_2BBC583DCAA0BA47856462709F11DCA9.dat

nk2 file

7. Copy Stream_Autocomplete_0_2BBC583DCAA0BA47856462709F11DCA9.dat file to other location

nk2 file

8. File copied to Download location 

nk2 file

  9. Delete the autocomplete cache using the File, Options, Mail, Empty Auto-complete list button

import nk2

10. Deleting all files 

import nk2

 11. Deleted all files

import nk2

12. Now open New Email press 'a' letter email addresses dissapeared

import nk2

13.  Same press 'b' letter email addresses dissapeared

import nk2

14. We have to regenerate autocomplete file just type dummy email address test@gmail.local & click send button

outlook roamcache

15. Completely close the MS Outlook open it again & go to New Email type 't' letter email address starting with 't' appeared.

outlook roamcache

16. Go to   %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

autocomplete file regenerated again 

outlook roamcache

17. Copy the name of newly generated file
Stream_Autocomplete_0_2BBC583DCAA0BA47856462709F11DCA9.dat

nk2

18. Rename backed up file ( Step 7) same as newly generated file

nk2

19. Now copy the renamed (backed up) file & past to default location

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

nk2

20. Paste & replace the newly generated file

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache

nk2

nk2

21. Now open the MS Outlook go to New Email type 'a' letter, showing email address starting with 'a' letter

nk2

You can visit Youtube Channel

My Pc Support