Q re copying outlook express files

elektra

old computer C drive almost deceased ( see thread from a couple of weeks ago). I couldn't/can't load OE to run an export/backup but did manage to copy outlook express directory inc dbx files to D Drive.

It has been suggested I get a ISB IDE Hard drive Caddy so that I can hook up old D drive this PC. Will I then be able to access/import old outlook express mail.

I've tried creating folders on this PC with same name and then replacing them with the copies taken from my old C drive but I'm just left with empty folder.

Old OE was 5.5. This PC has OE 6 and office outlook.

Also tried installing and running Outlook Express Backup Wizard but it fails to complete as C drive so flaky. Wish I had known about that software before.

espresso

On your new OE you need to do File, Import on the files and point to where you saved them on drive.

elektra

I already tried looking at that but it asks me me which mail program I wish to import from and lists Eudora, Microsoft internet mail, Microsoft Outlook,Microsoft Outlook Express 4, Microsoft Outlook Express 6, etc

but it doesn't state OE 5

Also I assumed that the import would only work for exported files?

Chippy_Minton

Try the OE6 option. It imports directly from the .dbx files.

espresso

No you can import your files and it will work as you have described, I have done it. Try using the Microsoft Outlook Express 4 option as obviously they were not in Microsoft Outlook Express 6 format.

elektra

Tried both - version 4 and 6. Could not get to work with either.

I only had one small dbx file to play with as an example. It didn't seem to matter where I put it - eg. A: drive or copy to an existing folder on this C drive, each time it said that it could not find any messages.

have now ordered a IDE/USB HDD enclosure in the hope that I can take D Drive out of old computer and access on this one, so will try again then.

Thanks for your suggestions.

espresso

It won't work unless you have the folders.dbx file along with the other folders i.e. Inbox Items.dbx etc. that you are trying to import.

alanrowell

elektra wrote:

I've tried creating folders on this PC with same name and then replacing them with the copies taken from my old C drive but I'm just left with empty folder.

Create the folder through OE, OPEN the folder in OE then exit OE.

THEN copy the folder from your old drive and reopen OE to check the folder

elektra

alanrowell wrote:

Create the folder through OE, OPEN the folder in OE then exit OE.

THEN copy the folder from your old drive and reopen OE to check the folder

That is how I tried it but folder was empty when opened OE again.

Chippy_Minton

Okay, you have your old OE directory containing .dbx files available.

In your new OE, click File - Import - Messages - select OE6* - select Import mail from an OE6 store directory - OK. Browse to and select the old OE directory and complete the import process.

*A bit of research says that the OE6 option works for importing OE5.5 files.