Post by Derek L on Sept 11, 2007 6:42:12 GMT -6
Backing up Outlook Express files
Outlook Express files include individual files for Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted Items, etc.
Outlook Express files end with dbx. So, you'll have Inbox.dbx, Folders.dbx, Offline.dbx, etc. The trick is finding these dbx files.
I did a file search for dbx files in the C:\Documents and Settings folder and found them here:
C:\Documents and Settings\DDL\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{DFF16927-88E6-4EAA-A097-460B7E65289B}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
In case the search doesn't work, try this:
Open Outlook Express. Click Tools>>Options. Select the Maintenance tab. Click the Store Folder… button. You'll get a little Window that says Store Location. A box within the windows contains the path to the dbx files. This revealed the same path as above.
Use Windows Explorer to follow the path. The dbx files are in the Outlook Express folder. Microsoft really doesn't want us messing with these files. So they may be hidden.
If you don't see them, click Tools>>Folder Options in Windows Explorer. Click View. Under Advanced Settings, select "Show hidden files and folders." Deselect "Hide extensions for known file types." Also deselect "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)." Click Apply>>OK.
If you have a regular backup routine, just include the dbx files. If you don't, copy them to a flash drive, second hard drive or CD. Do not copy them to the hard drive on which they reside. Your biggest danger is a hard drive failure. If that were to happen, it would take the backup with it.
Are you unable to check your spelling in Outlook Express? It uses the spell checker in Microsoft Office or Works. If you don't have them, you'll have to improvise. Outlook Express is a bare bones program.
Outlook Express files include individual files for Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted Items, etc.
Outlook Express files end with dbx. So, you'll have Inbox.dbx, Folders.dbx, Offline.dbx, etc. The trick is finding these dbx files.
I did a file search for dbx files in the C:\Documents and Settings folder and found them here:
C:\Documents and Settings\DDL\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{DFF16927-88E6-4EAA-A097-460B7E65289B}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
In case the search doesn't work, try this:
Open Outlook Express. Click Tools>>Options. Select the Maintenance tab. Click the Store Folder… button. You'll get a little Window that says Store Location. A box within the windows contains the path to the dbx files. This revealed the same path as above.
Use Windows Explorer to follow the path. The dbx files are in the Outlook Express folder. Microsoft really doesn't want us messing with these files. So they may be hidden.
If you don't see them, click Tools>>Folder Options in Windows Explorer. Click View. Under Advanced Settings, select "Show hidden files and folders." Deselect "Hide extensions for known file types." Also deselect "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)." Click Apply>>OK.
If you have a regular backup routine, just include the dbx files. If you don't, copy them to a flash drive, second hard drive or CD. Do not copy them to the hard drive on which they reside. Your biggest danger is a hard drive failure. If that were to happen, it would take the backup with it.
Are you unable to check your spelling in Outlook Express? It uses the spell checker in Microsoft Office or Works. If you don't have them, you'll have to improvise. Outlook Express is a bare bones program.