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Copying outlook express folders

Discussion in 'Internet Explorer & Microsoft Edge' started by Wiry, 2003/07/22.

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  1. 2003/07/22
    Wiry Lifetime Subscription

    Wiry Inactive Thread Starter

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    I had backed up my outlook express folders about a week before my computer crashed (thank god).
    So after I restored my hard disk, a strange thing happened. I copied all the backed up files into the windows/application date/usernumber/microsoft/outlook file where the others were. But when I use the program, outlook express only loads the addresses in the main folders (inbox, deleted items, sent items, etc.) I had other folders such as "2003 save" that are listed but don't show messages. When I look in the windows file, it indicates that there is data in the files. Any ideas how I can get these so they are read by outlook?

    Thanks
     
    Wiry,
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  2. 2003/07/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Wiry,

    Suggest you try File > Import Messages.

    Import them from the location to which you backed them up or copy them to a folder on your HD and import from there.

    I guess simply dumping them in the location you specified doesn't register them with OE

    Alternatively look at Inside Outlook Express
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2003/07/27
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    Wiry Inactive Thread Starter

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    Just got around to following up on your suggestions. The files wouldn't import. So I went to the Outlook Express help site that you recommended. They say that if all the folders in the store file don't display that I could delete the folders.dbx file and that when it was recreated it would scan the file for all .dbx folders and create a new index. It says that I should be aware that I will lose the mail "tree ". What does that mean? Would I lose any active mail that I have? I'm a little afraid to try this until I ask this board first.

    Thanks
     
    Wiry,
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  5. 2003/07/28
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Wiry

    If you delete folders.dbx Outlook Express will recreate the standard folders list when restarted - if you had added any folders to the 'tree', eg '2003 save', they will not be replaced and their contents - and the contents of all the other folders will be deleted. You will start again with empty folders, so not a good idea at present.

    One possible solution is to set up IE to use the location of the saved files as the default message store - must be a location on your HD, say 'OE Messages'

    Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store Folder.

    The snag with this is that your current messages will no longer be available. There is a solution to his I think, but I'll have to work on it and post back. Do nothing until I get back to you :)
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2003/07/28
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Well I sorted out a way of dealing with your current messages, but it is a bit long winded - no doubt there is a better way, but I am not aware of it.

    Create a Folder, say 'Saved Messages'

    You need to do the following for each of your current messages :

    Open message in OE
    File > Save As - accept the default *.eml and save to 'Saved Messages'
    Open 'Saved Messages' and double click on message to open
    In the message window which opens File > Move to Folder.
    In the Move dialogue box which opens select the OE folder to which you want to move the message, e.g Inbox, 2003 save, etc, highlight it > OK.
    The message is moved to the OE message store.

    Just hope you don't have too many messages :D

    Save all your current messages before you change the OE message store as my previous post This is belt and braces technology, but better safe than .... :)
     
    PeteC,
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  7. 2003/07/28
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    Wiry Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete: I have a lot of messages ... and a lot of places where I have stored old messages that I read now with dbxtend ... the program that someone (maybe you) on this board told me about.

    If I move all the folders with files that have messages in them to a temporary folder, then delete "folders.dbx ", then move the files with folders back into the store folder and open up Outlook Express ... wouldn't the new folders.dbx look for all the folders and create a new list that would access the data in the folders?
    Whew!
     
    Wiry,
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  8. 2003/07/28
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Wiry,

    I don't think so :) but if you want to live dangerously try this - totally unproven - at your own risk etc, etc:

    Copy all your current *.dbx folders to a new folder - this will be the new OS message store if all goes bottom's up.

    Delete folders.dbx from the current message store location. OE will generate a new set of default folders as previously noted.

    Copy your current *.dbx sub folders (not folders.dbx) into the current message store location (these will replace some of the empty folders already there) and open up OE. If OE recognises the folders you copied in - great, but I rather doubt it, unless it reconstructs folders.dbx automatically

    If this does work then copy your other *.dbx folders in - making sure that they have different folder names to those already there.

    If everything is all fouled up at least you have your current messages safe in a new folder which you can designate as the default message store.

    It's hardly rocket science, but if it works - Whew indeed :D

    Remember COPY - not MOVE

    Edit

    Having reread your last post I think that's what you suggested anyway.
     
    Last edited: 2003/07/28
    PeteC,
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  9. 2003/07/28
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    Wiry Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have to put aside some time for this. Will let you know what happens. Thanks so much, Pete. I really appreciate your help.
     
    Wiry,
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  10. 2003/07/29
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    Wiry Inactive Thread Starter

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    Just want to follow up. I ended up not wanting to risk hurting outlook express ... so I used dbxtend to extract the messages into folders on my desk top and then viewing them in the dbxtend program. I know there's got to be a simpler way, but maybe not if the program belongs to microsoft.
     
    Wiry,
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