Outlook Express - Backup Email?

Hi,

I haven't specifically used *that* version of OE but this MS document gives the various possibilities as to where the files are... it appears they can be in one of a number of places depending upon OS, and which previous versions you have installed from.

Either way if you access the email, send one say and then use the search for files & folders function in the Start Menu, check date and select files modified in the last day then you should see which set of files are being used if you have multiple.

Then it should be a case of just copying that entire folder (with OE closed) somewhere else.  If you wish to prove before re-install perhaps rename the folder to xyz then launch OE, you may have error or at least see no mail.  Then copy back the folder you have backed up & try that, hopefully all should be OK.  If not delete that diretory and rename the original....

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=175037

hth a little.

Steve

In outlook there should be a import/export listed under the file command.  You can export your mail box and then copy that one file to back up the whole mail box.  And if you ever have to put it back you just import it.  

Outlook express uses .dbx files for folder.
you can search these dbx files and make copies of these. from  tools-options-maintenance-store folder u can vies folder name.
 

To compact and back up e-mail folders

Select an e-mail folder.
On the File menu, point to Folder, and then click Compact.
To back up the folder, find the folder file, and then copy it to a backup folder, floppy disk, or network drive. Outlook Express e-mail folders have a .dbx extension (for example, "Sent Items.dbx").
 Notes

Some message files might be too large to back up onto a floppy disk.
If you are using a program other than Outlook Express to send e-mail messages to newsgroups, check your e-mail program's documentation for information about compacting and deleting e-mail folders.

Or we may export to outlook or exchange then .pst files can be backed up.
thanks

Instructions here:
http://www.sitedeveloper.ws/tutorials/outlook.htm
Scroll down to OE section

Hi Evan,

here is how i do backup for my OE 5.5 on my win2k

Get a any backup HD or ZIP etc.

copy  C: -->Documents and Settings
            -->Administrator
              -->Local Settings
                --> Application Data
                    -->Identities
                       -->{086432F-BF9D-2A62}something like this.

then it will copy the whole OE data of yours.
After install back new WIn2k

all you need to do is open the OE once to create id like {05A1781F-BF9D-4EB3-9A86-GEJDUJ75KJ62} SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

Then close the OE. and replace the IDentities with your backup Ids. and done.

Hope this help you (^_^)
                   

Select menu tools, options, maintenance tab and then store folder button, this will tell you where the email for a particular account resides, dont forget to make a copy of your address book because I don't think it lives here.

The software available at outlook-express-backup.com seems to be the easiest and most reliable way to do this backup.  I've tried the backup/export from within Outlook Express, moving/copying store folders, and other methods in the past, and usually run into trouble.

Thanks for your assistance.

Glad to help!

-NINE