e mails lost from outlook folders

Emuchops

I was tidying up my Outlook Express folders and all my sub folders and their contents have disappeared. Im sure i didnt delete them but their not there and I had some important stuff saved in them.
I have gone to my recycle bin and they seemed to be there, but having reinstated everything from it, they have not reappeared. I have also done a system restore but nothing has changed.
I have tried a couple of programs to restore deleted items but Im getting in a mess with them as I have to install a "flash drive" or something and its making no sense. Im not sure ive even deleted them but i cannot find them-has anyone got any ideas? ps -you may not have guessed but im not very technically minded...any suggestions gratefully received.

Chippy_Minton

Were the files you restored from the Recycle Bin .bak files?

If so, follow the resolution at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918069, starting with the MS06-076 update. You have already done steps 2, 3 and 4 by restoring the .bak files.

Colcoops

They didn't get sent to the archive folder in outlook did they?

Emuchops

Colcoops-where do I find the outlook archive file?

Emuchops

Thanks to both of you for your help-Chippy-I got to step 5 and I found the folder but it was empty-and of course my recycle bin is empty. I think i shall just have to put it down to experience and look at it as a learning opportunity!