Question : Outlook export/archival on date ranges not working correctly

In Outlook 2003, I have been attempting to archive old mail items to archival pst files. I have used both the "Archive" function as well as the "Export" function. In both cases I have attempted to control the archival of items by date ranges, so that for example, all "2006" items are in one file, "2005" items are in another file, "2004" items are in another file, and so on. For the export, I have used the Received date, and used the Advanced date range capability to select dates "between" to end points.

Using these methods, for the most part the items from the appropriate year are moved into the file. However, each file has a seemingly random set of items from prior years. So for example, in the 2006 file, there are a handful of items with Received dates in 2004, 2003, 2002, etc.

It is messing up my plan. Why is this happening?

Answer : Outlook export/archival on date ranges not working correctly

I believe the answer is that the Archive date for mail folders is "Received" date or "Modified" date, whichever is newer. This information was found in the Outlook help by typing "Archive" in the help query box, and reviewing the topic "Aging periods and dates used to archive items."

Since Ihave answered my own question, I am asking that this one be PAQ'd and closed.