Importing From Backup OE Files

I have been backing up OE6 files simply by copying the .dbx files to a CD-ROM. I thought I could then simply import them if I ever needed them. Now I need them, and I can't import them. I have followed the steps for importing messages, trying to import into the OE inbox and when that didn't work, into a new folder called inbox 2. That didn't work either. I tried copying the backup .dbx file into the OE store folder and into other folders, but nothing works. With the backup file copied into the OE store folder, I go through the importing process, and then get told that the store folder is in use so can't get access. When I have the backup file on CD or elsewhere on the hard drive and point the import process to that location, I get the message "No messages can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open ". Any suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks.

Alistair

 

alistair--Here is the official MS method
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/270/6/70.ASP
but you have to have saved the files properly in the first place.
Other ideas are to use
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx (costs $5)
http://www.oehelp.com/oebackup/default.aspx (free)

 

Thanks WelshJim. My computer has been down for a while but back now so will try what is suggested in the links you mention.

Alistair

 

alistair--Looking forward to hearing the outcome.

 

One other thought. If the backup files are on a cdr, try copying them to the hard drive and then right click on them and choose properties. Then remove the read only attribute. Once you've done this try importing them.

 

Backin up OE

When you backup Outlook Express dbx files you must ensure that you include the folders.dbx file or you can't import the others

 

I have followed the recommended microsoft import rules for outlook express and gotten various results, all of them negative.

The only 2 methods that I have found to consistently work are:-
1 - export to outlook, backup to *.pst file from outlook, then import back into outlook on the reloaded configuration, then import from outlook onto outlook express. Long winded but invariably works OK.
2 - copy the outlook express folder to a [temp] location, rename the copy folder to outlook express NEW.
- On the reloaded OS, create the account within outlook express
- copy the "Outlook express NEW" folder into the Microsoft folder alongside the existing outlook express folder (E.G. in 2000 Professional, it could be found in location
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{2B39F39F-8AFF-4794-88E2-CE2DDDCDE4A0}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
- go to tools/options/maintenance/store folder/ "change ", then choose the "Outlook Express NEW" folder, reply OK to message and exit outlook express.
- restart outlook express, the imported files will now be available.

NB Do not forget to export the address book to a WAB file within My Documents, and then import it to the new version of outlook express from within the address book radio box

 

Many thanks to Welshjim, Zander, njackson and Sockets37 for your assistance with this. I'm currently busy on other things but when I get back to OE, you've all given me some good options to try.

Alistair

 

Actually there is a quite simple way to import dbx files : first you have to disconnect OE (close & disconnect option). Then you move the dbx files into the OE folder where the other dbx files are. Make sure they are not write-protected (read-only). The trick is then to hide/remove the folder.dbx file. Then start OE. Since OE cannot find the folder.dbx file, it will scan all dbx files in the folder and rebuild a new folder.dbx. Your old .dbx files should be imported.

Warning : if you have defined some rules such as "if a message contains amazon in the from field, then move it to the amazon folder ", you will have to redefine the destination folder, since this info is kept in the folder.dbx files.

Happy importing

.merle1.

 

Yeah, that works too but the only problem with it is that you lose your entire folder tree structure when the new folder.dbx file is created. This certainly isn't the end of the world but if you have a lot of folders in OE, you have to spend a bit of time straightening that out (rebuilding the folder tree structure the way you want it) when you first open OE.