Finding Old Email after Installation

  • Thread starter Thread starter Carrie
  • Start date Start date
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Carrie

I had Windows ME and recently installed Windows XP. I was
hoping to keep my saved email that was in Outlook
Express. All the addresses and message rules I had before
are there but my email is gone.

Is is really gone or can I get it back? Is there a way to
search for it?
 
Carrie said:
I had Windows ME and recently installed Windows XP. I was
hoping to keep my saved email that was in Outlook
Express. All the addresses and message rules I had before
are there but my email is gone.

Is is really gone or can I get it back? Is there a way to
search for it?
Click to expand...

What sort of install did you do? Did you Upgrade (ie WITHOUT reformatting
your hard drive) or did you do a Clean install, (ie you FORMATTED your hard
drive)?
 
I just upgraded. In fact what I purchased was just an
upgrade. I am pretty sure I didn't reformat the hard
drive. All my other documents, pictures and other
programs are there and they are untouched. The only thing
that is different is Windows and Outlook Express and my
email is gone. Thanks for helping!! =)
 
Carrie said:
I just upgraded. In fact what I purchased was just an
upgrade. I am pretty sure I didn't reformat the hard
drive. All my other documents, pictures and other
programs are there and they are untouched. The only thing
that is different is Windows and Outlook Express and my
email is gone. Thanks for helping!! =)
Click to expand...

There are two reasons for this.
1. The location of OE 6 mail in Windows XP is different to that in ME.
2. XP designates dbx files (the OE message store) as hidden system fiiles.

In search, go to Advanced Search options and enable Hidden and System Files.
Do a search for *.dbx and you should find them. Make a note of the location,
and then in OE do a File-Import.

HTH
 
Search for dbx files. Then in OE, Tools - Options - Maintenance - Store
Folder and change it to where you found you old email. OE will ask a
question. Read carefully because it will delete your mail if you answer
wrong. Chose to use the folder as your store.
 
Carrie said:
I had Windows ME and recently installed Windows XP. I was
hoping to keep my saved email that was in Outlook
Express. All the addresses and message rules I had before
are there but my email is gone.

Is is really gone or can I get it back? Is there a way to
search for it?
Click to expand...

Look in c:\documents and settings\(your user name)\identities

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."
 
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