Outlook Express question

[tweedledee]

I am planning on re-installing windows and want to save the contents of folders in Outlook express. If I went to the Data base folder and found the DBX files, then saved them on CD, could I then place them back in Outlook Express again after the fresh install? Would that work?

[boldego]

:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Inbox.dbx

Go here for each folder and save the entire inbox folder or sent or whichever you want to save and then replace the whole folder on your new setup

[tweedledee]

Thanks for that, I wasn't sure whether it would move OK. I actually found the emails by going to Start/Search/ DBX. I have even found a program that can read the DBX files.

[boldego]

I've backed up the folders all the time and replaced them. Epecially my keys for my programs. In fact I back them up with my monthly backup.

[CrayonEater]

Just a friendly head's up - I'd stay away from Outlook and migrate to something else. Aside from Internet Explorer, Outlook is one of the most insecure apps in common use.

[svcdmaker]

If you backup the folder keeping the directory structure up a couple of levels, after the fresh install all you will need to do is import. Specify that the content is from an outlook express store folder and all will be well. I have done this several times. It is important to maintain a few levels of the directory structure to keep OE happy.

Karl

[tweedledee]

Another thought struck me as I was trying to get to sleep last night. Couldn't I just drag them into a folder on my other HDD and put them back later? I've tried this and it works, but would it work after a re-install?

[aedipuss]

why not use the xp tool - files and settings transfer wizard to make a backup of all your settings/docs/and stuff? i think it backs up o.e. files iirc.

[starwarrior29]

I just did this a month ago with transferring my old emails to my new computer and used the info on this page: http://www.freebits.co.uk/backoutlook.html

[ntscuser]

You can use the files and settings transfer wizard in Windows XP. Just save settings as "old computer" and copy them back later as "new computer".

[Nelson37]

These methods will work, however there is a distinct advantage to doing an export/import, in that it rebuilds the database structure. Moving to a new PC is a perfect opportunity to do this, also to prune out old, deleted data. Most people are not aware that Outlook PST files start to get severely unstable at around 1 GB.

If you do any database work you are familiar with rebuilding, packing, re-indexing, various database repair procedures that should be done on a regular basis. In Outlook or Express, the import/export is a good way to achieve this.

[tweedledee]

Thanks everyone for your input. One quick question to starwarrior29 Does this method also save attachments? I have found that some methods don't.

[starwarrior29]

Yes all of my attachments were saved and imported to my new computer using that method.