outlook exress messages back up?

In Windows Explorer, do a search for *.dbx.
Copy the files to another location, e.g. OE-backup.

If You have a crash or decide to reinstall, just copy the backup to the appropriate folder, replacing the original files and You´ll have everything as it was when backed up.

I would recommend to compact all folders before backing up. This action will remove all deleted information from the respective data base.
In OE go to File > Folder > Compact All Folders

See: Compact Your OE Folders

There is also a free OE Backup tool.

Christer

 

If you have more than one partition/hard drive move the OE message store there this protects them in the case that a reformat of the root drive is required. If you only have a single HD and that goes down - that's life, but back up as Christer suggested to external media and you have a copy at least.

Create a folder - say Outlook Express, then go Tools > Options . Maintenance > Store Folder > Change and browse for the new location. I also use this folder for the Address Book and a copy of IE Favourites.