Member Avatar for salma_h

I need to upgrade from Windows Me to Windows Xp, anyone can please tell me how can I backup everything in Outlook Express for an easy restore after reinstalling Windows?

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A compact checklist that fills the gaps in the thread and is safe to follow years later.

Back up these items: the local mail files that hold each Outlook Express folder, the address book, exported account files, any custom signatures/stationery, and the identity that groups a user’s OE data. Note that exported account files normally do not include saved passwords, so write down server names, ports, usernames and passwords before wiping the old system. IMAP accounts usually keep mail on the server (so they need less local backup); POP accounts typically store mail locally and must be saved.

Practical steps (high level): with Outlook Express closed, make hidden/system files visible and copy the entire Outlook Express/Identity folder from the user profile to external media. Export the address book and use OE’s account-export tool to create account files. Also copy folders that hold signatures, stationery and any custom templates. Make at least two copies and verify the files are readable on another machine before reinstalling Windows.

Restore and troubleshooting: on the fresh XP install import account files first, then the address book. If OE doesn’t show mail after copying the store files, use the import wizard to bring messages in from the backed-up mail files while OE is closed when replacing files. If a mail file is corrupted, try compacting/rebuilding tools or a recovery utility before relying on that backup. Always test send/receive after restore.

Tie-in to earlier replies: combine ’s idea of locating the actual message store with ’s identity point, and consider a full-disk image as suggested if an exact snapshot of applications and settings is desired. Final note: never erase the old system until the restored account and a few sample messages are verified on the new install.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

open up outlook
go into into options
choose maintainance
click the store folder button (underneath clean up)

copy this file path and then navigate to it using my computer

backup this folder onto a cd or something

when you need to get your messages back onto your new system use the same method as above to find out where the message store is then copy your old messages from the cd to this folder

BTW: if you choose upgrade rather than clean install you should be able to keep your all your files, programs etc... when you upgrade to XP

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

you can simply copy the outlook express folder (somewhere in your home dir - not sure where it can be found in ME)
and export the pop/smtp/imap settings to importable files

Member Avatar for jbennet

thats exactly what i said - the problem is OE doesnt use a sensible folder, it uses one with a random name like (OX63HUFE7YWEF87-FFTYGSD) - thats why you use my method to find out which folder is the one you want

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{SAMorSID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

that's what it looks like in XP

Member Avatar for jbennet

mine is

C:\Documents and Settings\James Bennet\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{DFF16927-88E6-4EAA-A097-460B7E65289B}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

like i said before, the path varies from install to install, thats why you gointo options to find the path

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

the only thing that varies is the Identity. if you only have one, who cares what it is named? if there's more, usually, all of them need to be saved anyway

Member Avatar for fry

here is the full tutorial:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270670

it's a microsoft sollution, but i guess when you change the os, you need to backup not only outloock but may be music, videos, other documents, i'd advice to use 3d party backup prog, for example , it also can easily backup applications settings and data including outlook express.

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