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Compacting and disappearing emails

Discussion in 'Microsoft Mail (Outlook / OE / Windows Mail)' started by Janaroux, 2008/12/30.

  1. 2008/12/30
    Janaroux

    Janaroux Inactive Thread Starter

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    Last night the note came up that my email was going to be compacted so I left the room, returning to find that all of my 2008 emails had disappeared. I have no archieves. I don't know where to look. Help, please.
     
    Janaroux,
    #1
  2. 2008/12/30
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    It would help if you let us know which mail client you're using?
     
    wildfire,
    #2


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  4. 2008/12/30
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Hello Janaroux,
    welcome to WindowsBBS ... :) ... !

    Assuming that it is Outlook Express, it sends a copy to the Recycle Bin prior to compacting. It renames the files from *.dbx to *.bak. If you find them (a number of *.bak files) in the RB, tell us and we will guide you to restoring them.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #3
  5. 2008/12/30
    Janaroux

    Janaroux Inactive Thread Starter

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    Sorry about that.
    It is outlook.


     
    Janaroux,
    #4
  6. 2008/12/30
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Outlook as in "Microsoft Outlook in the Office suite or Outlook Express as included in the Windows installation?

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #5
  7. 2008/12/30
    Janaroux

    Janaroux Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have found files at C:\Documents and Settings\Janice\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{B32D48CA-91FC-4570-8853-6AD2EA99D834}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
    but I don't know what to do now.
     
    Janaroux,
    #6
  8. 2008/12/30
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    That's the original location and some of those files seem to be corrupted. Have you checked the RB as I suggested?

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #7
  9. 2008/12/30
    Janaroux

    Janaroux Inactive Thread Starter

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    Yes. Someone earlier had told me to "restore" the files in the recycle bin. So I clicked restore and they disappeared. ....but not to my Outlook inbox.
    I'm assuming I goofed. Maybe this is just a waste of time. Just a couple of things from the insurance company that I wanted but nothing I can't live without.
    Thank you all anyway.
     
    Janaroux,
    #8
  10. 2008/12/30
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    I have never clicked "restore" but I would assume that they went to the original location. If so, there should be "duplicates" of each file, e.g. "Inbox.dbx" and "Inbox.bak ". If so, rename all files with the extension *.dbx > *.xyz and thereafter all files with the extension *.bak > *.dbx. Outlook Express must be closed while renaming the files. If successful, delete all files with the extension *.xyz.

    If they're not there, do a search for files with the extension *.bak.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #9
  11. 2008/12/30
    Janaroux

    Janaroux Inactive Thread Starter

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    WOW :D
    It worked!!!
    I have no idea how or why but it worked.
    I am amazed.
    Thank you so much for your help.



     
    Janaroux,
    #10
  12. 2008/12/30
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Congratulations ... :) ... but

    In what location did you find the *.bak files?

    Did you follow my instructions in my previous post or did you "invent" your own method?

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #11
  13. 2008/12/30
    Janaroux

    Janaroux Inactive Thread Starter

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    I found the files in the C:\Documents and Settings\Janice\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{B32D48CA-91FC-4570-8853-6AD2EA99D834}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

    and I followed your instructions exactly. I am amazed. ...and grateful.
    Thank you!
     
    Janaroux,
    #12
  14. 2008/12/30
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    You're very welcome ... :) ... and thanks for the feedback. It's the first time someone has been successful in using this method. In all other cases, they have been too trigger happy on emptying the Recycle Bin ... :( ... !

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #13

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