Backup Outlook Express - Comments Page 2

I did a search for *dbx files, got them, then started to move ALL of them into a backupfolder at desk top. Because oe6 was open, the process stopped. I then realized that I was moving them, when I meant to copy them to a back up. How do I get the handful of moved files back into oe6? I tried doing the file-import-messages etc. I pointed the wizard to the folder with the .dbx files but this did not work.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'd use Windows Explorer to move the files back to the folder where they belong.

I tried using explorer. Without a folder to drag and drop to I'm up a creek without a paddle. By using search *dbx I can look at .dbx files and see their path but I don't how to use this information. Dragging and dropping into search results does not work either. I must be overlooking a simple solution. Thanks. REally need to solve this problem.

EDITOR'S NOTE: First go to the source folder, mark the DBX files, and press Edit+Copy or Ctrl-C. Then if you know the name of the target folder, you can open it by going to Start / Run and enter the name in the Open box. Use Edit+Paste or Ctrl-V to paste the files into the folder.

Knowing the name of the target folder is my problem...and what I thought this entire thread is about. MS hides oe folders.

My best attempt was to do search *dbx...all I get now are back up files I created and located on desktop years ago...oddly, last week I got the current ones active in OE...at least I thought so. And, when I looked at properties of these files to get path...very long and filled with letters and numbers. Is there a generic folder in OE under either Local Folders or Inbox?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The article shows how to find the OE storage folder...

It worked! Followed the article...saw all the dbx filed, then backed up to the folder that simply said "outlook express"...copied from my backup folder and re-inserted/pasted in "outlook epxress".....thank you!

Problem: My sent folder got too big, and I was cleaning it up when it disappeared. I found the file on the hard drive and backed it up, and coppied it to a couple of locations - and then deleted the "empty one" - when importing it back in - I get there "no messages found in this directory or another application is using"... Ideas?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The file was probably damaged while you were deleting the items, so the copy you found on the hard drive (unless it was a backup from an earlier date) was no help. Unless you have a backup, I think you're out of luck.

My boss uses Microsoft outlook for his e-mail. All his old e-mails are backed up to a cd r, but I can't open them. I tried putting them on the hard drive. That didn't work. They aren't marked read only. What is the difference between outlook express & Microsoft outlook?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Outlook has more business features, such as calendaring, reminders, followups, etc. You should be able to import the Outlook emails into Outlook Express if you select the correct format under File / Import / Messages.

I used your instructions for backing up OE. On page 3, step 8 I stopped, and closed out of application without selecting or dragging files to CD. Going back to OE, the files are gone. Where did they go, and can I recover? Please help!

EDITOR'S NOTE: What files are gone?

I have gotten all the email folders copied over to the CD just fine. Can I read those files directly from the CD without importing them into another computer that has the Outlook program? When I click on the CD file directlyt, it tells me that Windows can not open the file and asks me to select it from the list [FYI -my Dell does not include Outlook Express as one of the choices on the list] and I have never had any success goiong "online to look it up automatically". Please advise.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The emails are stored in a database format, which can only be read by Outlook Express, or email recovery utilities that understand the special format of the file.

I did a recovery destructive on my pc. The first thing that I did when my internet was set up was to download avast.

I now find that I can create and send email but can't receive email with outlook express 6. After double checking with my isp, I found that all of my setup is correct. I read a lot of other info and it sounded like avast could be the problem. However I since emailed them and followed their instructions and still can't receive email. What could I be doing wrong. Should I try incredimail or something else? My isp's squirrel mail is extremely taxing and difficult to use and manage. Help!!

EDITOR'S NOTE: How about a web-based email such as Yahoo or Gmail? Simple setup, easy to use and portable.

Hi Bob: I just wanted to thank you so much for your help. I have to format my computer and I wanted to save what I needed off of it first. Your step by step instructions were a God-send. Thank you! Enjoy the coffee! :D

I copied successfully my OE emails to disc as instructed. I understand that .dbx is a database and that I can read it only via the Outlook Express program itself.

What I don't understand is the mechanics of doins so. For example, I start OE then go to "open" but I can't find a way to navigate to a location (either CD drive or a copied .dbx file. I would appreciate some help please.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can't navigate there. You have to put the DBX file in the Outlook Store Folder. See the article for help determining the folder location.

thanks you so much i got it, i got it

I think it must be stressed that Outlook files are not amenable to manual fiddling. Backup procedures must follow the parental-like directions demanded by Outlook. No assumptions can be made. These are not like ordinary files we are all accustomed to copying, moving and such. Your steps show how to "stay within the lines".

I backed up my email messages and copied it to another computer's store folder. After, I opened OE6 and tried Import > Messages... > Microsoft Outlook Express 6 > Import from an OE6 store directory > Chose the Store Folder > Clicked Next.

I then get an error messaged stating:

"No messages can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open." I don't know what to do.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You copied your backup to another computer's store folder? Why? Is that other computer accessing or using the file? I'd move it to some other folder, where OE cannot find it.

I had been using very similar instructions to yours above when I was on Win 98. (I'm now on MAC and using their mail program.) My girlfriend is on Win XP. She has several Outlook Express folders she has created to retain her e-mails by subject. When I look in the folder you've suggested, I find only the .DBX folders generated by OE, such as Inbox, Outbox, Sent, etc. I can't find any of the folders with the names she created (as I used to under Win 98). Where are they so I can back them up? Are they hidden somewhere (else)?

I tried loading the backup to a different computer running XP and OE and was only able to see the messages stored on the main OE folders (as I expected).

This is great!. So I did it and it worked but I can't open the folders from Outlook on my cd and can't figure out how to do it. I need to reinstall my computer in a week. Please help granny out here.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can't open the folders directly. You'll have to import the messages from the folder into Outlook.

when I drag the C:\addrbook.csv file I get an error message: Cannot copy...Access is denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and the the file is not currently in use. None of those things apply...what now? Thx!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Did you already burn the folders to the disk? If so, the CD is finalized and will be read-only.

just about to pull my hair out trying to get the 'read only' file in properties to stay applied. I've been trying to import .dbx files off and on for almost a year. your instructions are the most clear but it still isn't happening.

EDITOR'S NOTE: What happens when you try to import?

I heard about not bad application-outlook password backup, is a program, that helps users to display passwords and logins for all mail accounts, created in Microsoft Outlook as well as for files with *.pst extension, that are stored to keep your mail messages, can easily recover forgotten password for all Microsoft Outlook accounts, can copy recovered data to a text file, Outlook 2003 mail account and password backup is easy.

How do I move around names in the Address Book for Outlook Express? This is to be from one folder to another.