How To Export/Import Messages from/to Microsoft Outlook Express

Outlook Express, as I have no doubt you're aware if you're reading this article, is the crippled,

bundled mailer program that comes with Windows (95, 98, XP, whatever). I suspect it shares the user-interface with the full-blown Outlook, thereby giving users the impression of having features it does not. Its Import/Export functions (from the File menu) barely work, which is a big problem if you're upgrading or moving from one machine to another.

I moved from Outlook Express 4.x on Windows 98 on one machine to Outlook Express 6 on XP on another; after several unsuccessful attempts to make the File|Export funtionality work for messages on my old machine, this is how I finally managed to move my emails:

Pre-requisites: Litigation, Search, and Backup

The information provided in this article is without any warranties whatsoever; this is what worked for me; it may or may not work for you; do not use the information if you think you can blame me for anything that may go wrong or any material or mental agony you may suffer.

Learn to use the Search functionality of Windows Explorer. This is used to locate files and folders (aka directories). You'll need to find your files that Microsoft has hidden from your prying eyes. Typically, you select a folder, right-click, choose the Search option, and provide part of the name of file or folder you're trying to locate. Locate the files that contain your emails. Search for a folder called "Outlook". On OE 4.x, mails are stored in files whose names end with .idx and .mbx, and begin with your email folders' names. Back these files up, preferably to a CD.

Upgrade Outlook Express/Internet Explorer on Old Setup/Machine

The idea is to have identical versions of OE on either machine so that the file-formats in which OE stores messages is identical. Be aware that Outlook Express is bundled with Internet Explorer. So you have to upgrade to the most recent IE on your old machine in order to get the latest OE. If you have a broadband connection, the downloading is quick; fortunately for me, the installation too was painless.

Move mails from old Outlook Express to new OE on Old Setup/Machine

After upgrading to the latest IE (and therefore Outlook Express) on the old machine, I had the shock of my life when I started this shiny new OE (version 6). No old emails! Fortunately, my mind had warped into the MS way of thinking, so I hit File|Import|Messages on the new OE, which gave me the option of importing from OE 4. It also got the location of the old emails right on its own.

The emails and mail-folders now magically appeared in OE 6. These were stored in a new set of files with a different format. These files have the extension .dbx. Fortunately, they were easy to locate – OE had chosen a sub-folder of my old Outlook folder. In any case, you could use the Search function.

Backup these files created by the new Outlook Express on Old Machine

Writing them to a CD (along with the old files, should things to go wrong) is a good idea.

Locate Email Files Folder on new Outlook Express on New Machine

You need to do this because this is where you'll be placing the email files you so painstakingly extracted from your old machine. (I'm assuming, of course, that you dont yet have any emails you want to retain in your new machine. If you do, I suggest a solution later.)

Windows XP, by default, neither shows nor searches in hidden files and folders; this is a useful feature to turn off: go to Control Panel|Folder Options|View (you'll need to switch to "classic view" of Control Panel) and choose the "Show hidden files and folders" option.

In OE, go to Tools|Options|Maintenance|Store Folder: this shows the folder where the emails are stored. In my case this folder was hidden, which is why I couldnt locate it by doing a Search from Windows Explorer.

The Move!

Into this folder, copy all the .dbx email files (several readers have reported that you cannot pick and choose some of the mail folders and leave out others) extracted from your old machine's new Outlook Express. (Exit OE before you do this.) You will be overwriting the existing .dbx files, but I'm assuming this is a brand new machine so you have nothing of interest in them. And voila! Outlook Express on your new machine should be pretty much identical to that on your old machine. To be safe, you could first copy the email files from the old machine into a temporary folder and use the above Maintenance option to temporarily point Outlook Express to this folder.

Retaining emails from both machines

If you already have emails in your new machine that you want to retain, move them into an email folder that did not exist on your old setup, so that the filenames do not conflict; add the .dbx file for this email folder to wherever the other .dbx files are and all should be well.

Variation (Not) To Attempt

You may think "why bother to upgrade to latest OE on old machine when new OE can import emails from old OE format". This may or may not work: I suspect the new OE may be using some components of the old OE to achieve this import; on your new machine, you do not have the old OE installed.

Moving Address Book from old to new Outlook Express

This is relatively easy: I just chose to export and import in Text File format.

Visit the Rest of my Site

My mailing list: Add Yourself

shayok@shortwork.net

Comment on How To Export/Import Messages from/to Microsoft Outlook Express

I want to tranfer all my emails from incredimail to outlook?

Please help

Dianne Thu, 1 May 2008 09:29:28 -0400

i want to send all my emails to incredimail. i don't know why they are going there i thought incredimail was my default thx.... cyndi

cyndi Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:01:36 -0400

Sorry, but what is kimerikas?

Jane.

sweeta-xh Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:14:51 -0400

Sorry, but what is kimerikas?

Jane.

sweeta-yq Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:15:13 -0400

I had an issue with a new Dell that Windows lost the path to launch (PBR error). So not to lose what I had on the hard drive by re-installing Windows XP, I added a new drive, loaded Windows, got it running and then reconnected the original drive. I am now trying to import email messages through OE6 into the new email accounts I have set-up but cannot find them on the old drive (I can find older files...no-problem). Please let me know what I am missing. Thanks!!!

Steve Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:15:56 -0400

after automatically compacting the outlook express emails the messages cannot be opened or imported though there are dbx files in "application data". How can I open or import these emails in outlook express?

sudheer Tue, 4 Mar 2008 08:14:37 -0500

This tip is for those who wish to import selected messages out of MS OExpress. Just create a folder named XY in the folder list of O Exp. then copy the chosen mails into that folder. Later simply export the mails from that folder into Outlook. Simple!

Pradeep K. Ivon Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:44:12 -0500

Dear Sir, I had 4850 msgs in my inbox folder, i want to take half a count of msgs to any folder and again if necessary how do i get back that particular backup msgs to my original folder. please reply me at the earliest regards sj

A.Suju Philip Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:53:43 -0500

Great stuff good analysis and thats right i however am upgrading an entire office from express to outlook 2003 so i did a similar step by doing the things above importing through express then auto importing the new outlook express files to outlook 2003 thanks

beach bum Tue, 5 Feb 2008 23:53:37 -0500

Dear sir, Please tell me all steps of how to export/Import Outlook Express Message to Microsoft Outlook Express.

Thanks & Regards PANKAJ KAUSHIK 9910490692

PANKAJ KAUSHIK Sat, 2 Feb 2008 04:45:47 -0500

xkljkhxzxz

vvv Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:02:28 -0500

All of my e-mails mysteriously are now in Outlook Express. They were all in Comcast. How do I move them back to Comcast. I spent hours yesterday trying to figure this out. Comcast can't seem to help me. I called Microsoft and Outlook Express and they both want a fee for their help. Imagine that. Hope you can help

Mariann Thu, 3 Jan 2008 14:03:30 -0500

mnvejydt fktelqbop fjawngkp peysinxo trkyu gzykqacr zhjmqkl

gyxfcwl wligvzoh Tue, 1 Jan 2008 16:01:45 -0500

gitexr anugfc yvcn cijb pibvgnoyk hkqla tryxfob

chegfo fgimsby Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:22:37 -0500

I'm trying to move my old Outlook Express email files to a new computer that has Outlook (full version; not Express)... Any ideas?

I can't seem to export from the Express machine without the full Outlook loaded; and I can't input to the full Outlook machine without Express loaded. I can't find a free download of either...

HELP!

Thanks, Rick

Rick Schoonover Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:07:48 -0500

I am trying to forward email and attachment to friend but he is not getting it. When I go into send to check attachment I get the message: The file does not have name and to create a programme associated with the file in folder options control panel. How do I do this . I am OAP learning system. Many thanks. I was also just trying to attach file from my documents.

rita keane Mon, 5 Nov 2007 14:05:50 -0500

hi i am using incredible mails in my system, now i want all my mails to be shifted in outlook express, i am not getting how to import the mails from incredible to outlookexpress, plz guide me

sahindi Sat, 20 Oct 2007 07:24:50 -0400

I also had the problem that I can't get OE 6 to import a pst file that I saved from another machine (running Outlook). I go through the steps to import, navigate to the file, then it says "no message can be found or another application is running.." Why isn't it importing this pst file?

Andy Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:54:14 -0400

hi i am using incredible mails in my system, now i want all my mails to be shifted in outlook express, i am not getting how to import the mails from incredible to outlookexpress, plz guide me

regards murali

Muralidhar.S. Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:51:25 -0400

I am using Outlook Express Version 6 on my PC and would like to transfer all my local files to my laptop. Is there a simple way to do this. I am running Vista for my operating system on both computers.

REINE Sun, 14 Oct 2007 06:55:28 -0400

I need to figure out how to move from IE7 all the stored emails on to disc or CD to keep. Long ago it was a very easy processs and now questionable???? can you help? Thanks very much

Michael Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:41:47 -0400

ERR

orfm9hndhslg Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:22:13 -0400

Hi all! Very interesting information! Thanks! G'night

hiutopor Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:26:37 -0400

hello for some reason i keep geting this message when i try to send pictures can you help me i have worked for hours no luck. The connection to the server has failed. Account: 'comcast.net', Server: 'comcast.net', Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, Secure(SSL): No, Socket Error: 10060, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E

meg Fri, 7 Sep 2007 09:07:19 -0400

how to config wow on outlook express?

suresh Sun, 2 Sep 2007 03:56:47 -0400

Somehow my Inbox Messages, both read and unread, got re-arranged. I want to restore them to descending order, by date and time, from most recent to older--all shown unless I delete them. I cannot remember how to do this (aging brain). Please e-mail me the instructions. thanks. doris. mriess@ec.rr.com

Doris Riess Sat, 1 Sep 2007 09:11:12 -0400

Hi there, is it possible to export my emails from Mozilla Thunderbird to Incredimail?

Bryan Sun, 26 Aug 2007 05:12:44 -0400

How to import email files and address book from incredible mail, I can not get the incredible mail to start the program

Jose Gonzalez Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:45:54 -0400

how do i copy the old mail which are in my inbox of thunderbird to ms outlook? I am not able to export the old mails to ms oulook?

Prasanna Wed, 8 Aug 2007 16:18:20 -0400

Hello! great idea of color of this siyte!

Vilyamid Sat, 4 Aug 2007 12:19:06 -0400

About 8 months ago I exported from Outlook Express to Microsoft Outlook but am not happy with the move. Can I revert back to Outlook Express without losing or corrupting the emails that I have since received/sent on Microsoft Outlook?

Don Zerafa Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:06:35 -0400

Hello Sir, I am trying to create windows service that acess Outlook emails..but when i check the log files i find that no items are there in outlook folder..Here is the code

Dim ofolder As Microsoft.Office.Interop.Outlook.MAPIFolder ofolder = oApp.GetNamespace("MAPI").GetDefaultFolder(OlDefaultFolders.olFolderInbox)

i get ofolder.items .count as 0.

Please help me out

Thanks in Advance

Darshan Desai Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:52:56 -0400

dear sir, how can i transfer mails from incredimail to msoutlook?

balaji Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:14:37 -0400

dear sir, how can i transfer mails from incredimail to msoutlook ?

rinku kumar Mon, 25 Jun 2007 08:59:52 -0400

dear sir,

how can i transfer mails from incredimail to outlook experss?

Thanks & Regards

Rinku Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:45:32 -0400

how to export/imkport messeges using incrediblemail

maria divitcies m villar Tue, 1 May 2007 23:04:02 -0400

I would like to change from OE to Microsoft Outlook. I also have a hotmail.com account. Is there a way that I can use MO to send/recieve hotmail email messages?

Adrienne Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:04:00 -0400

good morning, i would like to change from OE to Microsoft Outlook and transfer all email messages. what do I have to do?

Luvuyo Wed, 25 Apr 2007 03:05:43 -0400

Hi. I am currently using Microsoft Office Outlook 2003. An error message appeared when I tried to import the pst file. The error message reads:Access is denied. You do not have the permission to access Outlook.pst. May I know how I can go about rectifying this problem?

Cheryl Ng Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:05:51 -0400

Are these questions answered on this site?????

LaVone Fri, 6 Apr 2007 18:30:11 -0400

Hi, I am currently using outlook express to view and recieve messages from my various email accounts, now I would like to use microsoft office outlook 2003 to view and recieve mail from all of my email accounts. How do I do this, I was able, however to import the messages and address book, but not the actual accounts. Messages are still being delivered to the old outlook express.

LaVone Wed, 4 Apr 2007 14:22:49 -0400

how can i transfer mails from incredimail to outlook experss , thanks

osama ibrahim Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:57:23 -0400

Our Windows XP crashed and we could not take back up of microsoft oulook but we had outlook.pst file how to import it after fresh installtion

MANISH GUPTA Tue, 6 Mar 2007 22:43:13 -0500

Help, please! I am not a computer wizard....just trying to use Outlook Express 6 for outgoing mail, as well as MSN Hotmail. I get a message "...host HTTP could not be found...please verify that you have entered the server name correctly...Error number: oX8ooCCCoD. How can I fix this? Thank you.

Marie Fri, 2 Mar 2007 16:32:55 -0500

Help, please! I am not a computer wizard....just trying to use Outlook Express for outgoing mail, as well as MSN Hotmail. I get a message "...host HTTP could not be found...please verify that you have entered the server name correctly...Error number: oX8ooCCCoD. How can I fix this? Thank you.

Marie Fri, 2 Mar 2007 16:32:38 -0500

dear sir, when i open my outlook express it is the error showing low space and low memory, the opereting system 98se. 40 gb hdd,128 memory, please tell me any solution for its

satya Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:10:20 -0500

We recently purchase Outlook and I really can't get the hang of it. I delete an appointment on my calendar and the next thing you know it's back again. Everytime I sync with one of my other computers it puts the same thing right back. I would physically have to go to every computer and delete the calendar appointment in order for it not to duplicate. My import/export function doesn't allow me to click "do not import duplicates." Why? I don't have any idea. I've purchased "delete duplicates" type of software already (a couple of different ones) and nothing works. Maybe you have some suggestions. Sometimes I even get the calendar appointments in triplicate.

Ronnie Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:34:53 -0500

Hello, I too have a problem with my outlook express prompting me to compact messages and then me losing them. How do I stop this prompt, what causes it, and how do I restore what I have lost.... PLease help me!

andrea schilt Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:40:17 -0500

i had lost some very important mails... i could not visite my site on past month as i was in hosptial.. pls viw my mails.... thanks

himal Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:22:28 -0500

i bought a new pc and i want to transfer all my email messages stored in the inbox of my old pc in my new pc using outlook express 6. is that possible ? if yes how can i do it ?

mike Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:57:33 -0500

I've spent about 10 hours trying to export messages from Earthlink Mailbox to OE6. I've created a CSV file, which didn't work, and then a DAT, which also did not work.

OE6 lists popular email programs for me to import messages from....and Earthlink isn't one of them. Please help.

Thanks

Denise Petree Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:32:14 -0500

Is there any utility or logical way to import messages into Microsoft Outlook (2003) from Outlook Express? I have been using Outlook Express for years and now I have decided to use MS Outlook for my email because I want to use the calendar and other features. The challenge is to import all of my old emails into Outlook from Outlook Express. Please let me know how or if this can be done. Thanks!

Dave Mon, 4 Dec 2006 03:58:39 -0500

Thank you very much for this article!!! It was very much of help for me! I now have mail from OE4 on a Win95 computer transported to OE6 on a WinXP computer. It took me some days, but finally I got there!

Richard Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:32:29 -0500

dear sir Now i am using incredimail. but this is not good for me because i spending lot of time with mail that is why it is not good for me now i want to use micriosoft outlook 2003 for my email also all my mails are very importent to my job i want all my mails and contacts in my outlook pls help me ho to import all emails to my oulook Thanks Thanveer

thanveer mohammed Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:15:49 -0500

By mistake while copying to folder my DBX files have accidentally changed to opens with XML editor files logo.Properies still shows it as .DBX file. When i try to import it back in outlook express it does not import but a dialog 'no messages found or in use by another application " Please let me know how do i choose the right programme/application in "open with" drop down list Am afraid will koose my two years data, if I am not able to export-import the .DBX files

Prabhakar T Wed, 15 Nov 2006 03:34:03 -0500

Dear Anonymous, I too lost many emails when I clicked to compact messages in outlook express 6.0 and windoes XP by mistake- Thanks for your message to Sara, it helped me to find all the files. I also found the text log with the process, but... ******Once you locate all the *.dbx files, how exactly do you restore them back into outlook, PLEASE? Your help will be higly appreciated!!!!

Troubled Sun, 5 Nov 2006 00:24:39 -0500

I've had the same problem trying to migrate OE dbx folders from a Win2000 Pro PC to a Win XP PC and into another OE application, it says folder in use or there are no files in the folder. The uncheck read only box on the folder properties box only works for files, not folders, Microsoft suggest using the DOS attrib command but that doesn't work either, can't make the folder read and write. I'm going to try running Knoppix, a CD ROM installed version of Linux to copy the files into the correct folder on the new machine. You have to unset the hda or C drive from read only in Knoppix and then copy the folders over( need two CD ROM drives on the PC or have to copy the files over first) and reset back after, I'll let you know how I get on.

Sid Thu, 2 Nov 2006 12:30:59 -0500

Unbelievably helpful!!! I took a drive from a Win98 box and put it in an XP box and was able to find and import my messages. Thank you!!!

Dave Malloy Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:52:46 -0400

I do not no what type of incoming server I am using( i.e POP and IMAP). How can I know what type of server I am using? Please help.

Bhaskar Mon, 25 Sep 2006 07:13:19 -0400

I am running Windows 2000 Professional/Home version and 90% of my e-mails with Attachments, the attachments are being removed by OE it says unsafe attachments but I know they are not unsafe attachments because they are sent to me by Family members and I want it to stop doing it. I am very well protected with AVG and NoAdaware I don't need this OE removing anything from my e-mails so How do I stop it?

Thomas F Crumpler Mon, 25 Sep 2006 02:25:21 -0400

how to export send items,inbox of outlook express 6 to word format. thanks

sukusnairss Fri, 8 Sep 2006 23:35:42 -0400

removing spam and by passing proxy and goverment filter

javad haghighati Sun, 20 Aug 2006 09:57:59 -0400

import to above address from old address...old address is mrvers@gulftel.com

carl morrison Thu, 17 Aug 2006 20:56:34 -0400

Sara, me again...

Please note that *.dbx has a period between the asterick and dbx.

I talk to much.

Bob Mon, 7 Aug 2006 16:51:50 -0400

Sara, maybe try this: [Start]->[Search]->[For Files or Folders...]->type *.dbx

OE stores its folders under dbx files in funny places, depending on your computer program version and OE version.

Note 1: Be sure to have your search engine set up to search sub-folders and protected operating system files.

Note 2: You may have to temporarily allow the search engine access to your hidden files by this method:

[Start]->[Settings]->[Conrol Panel]->[Folder Options]->[View], scroll down to "Hidden files and folders" and click to darken the circle "Show hidden files and folders".

If your year's worth of dbx files still doesn't show up in a search, perhaps try a system restore to a point before they were lost.

Finally,I recall that there are OE file recovery programs out there, some free with limited capabilities.

Good luck!

Anonymous Mon, 7 Aug 2006 16:48:39 -0400

After compacting my outlook express (accidently by my friend) i have lost 12 months mail. How do i retrieve these messages in outlook express. Please help me

Sara Thu, 3 Aug 2006 21:36:00 -0400

Hello, How can i export data and mails from incrediblemail to microsoft outlook

thanks, Olivia

Olivia Moldovan Tue, 1 Aug 2006 06:52:02 -0400

Shayok, you have a great first and last name. What nationality is it, Russian? Sorry I'm not smart enough to know!

Anyway, I use Outlook routinely and OE only to back up Outlook in case my MS Word program fails for whatever reason (theft of laptop, 'puter crash, house fire - I actually had one this spring but the laptop survived under the debris! - whatever).

Also, Shayok, I have very recently began encripting all of my important and personal files via PGP ($149 pluz tax) and I love the encryption program! Yes I know about free encryption and used it, but this program is much more user friendly for a mere intermediate computer user like me.

To get to the chase and stop beating around the bush, I'm having a hellava hard time keeping the wab on my encrypted virtual disk.

Everything's fine with the dbx; its the wab that I have yet to figure out how to isolate to the encrypted virtual drive.

I kept deleting the wab from the C-drive yet it kept reappearing with my personal contact info! The dang wab has a life of its own, lol!

Please backchannel me at bibz@optonline.net when or if you have the time in addition to posting the response because I may inadvertantly lose the link to your website and hense not get the feedback.

Thank you so much for your wonderful website, which I luckily surfed into after several searches about my issues.

Bob, not so succinct NJ-US

Bob in NJ Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:40:33 -0400

Hello,I have the same problem as Philip. After compacting my outlook express i have lost 2 months mail. How do i retrieve these messages in outlook express, can you help me please

Marc

Marc Zell Mon, 17 Jul 2006 03:41:58 -0400

Hello,After compacting my outlook express i have lost 2 months mail. How do i retrieve these messages in outlook express, can you help me please Regards Philip

Philip Webster Tue, 4 Jul 2006 07:20:59 -0400

hello i have wab file from outlook express i want to import it to microsoft outlook 2003 thanks

Islam allam Thu, 29 Jun 2006 05:14:21 -0400

How do I get all my email informtion from Incredimail to Outlook Express?

Doreen Tue, 27 Jun 2006 10:39:10 -0400

I've got Mozilla T-bird and am setting up a NEW PC......... How do get my Mozilla e-mails to my new PC?? Or if I download Moz will they be there?? Help!! Can't find answers anywhere!!

Bill Engeler Mon, 26 Jun 2006 23:49:06 -0400

In the paragraph about retaining both emails on the new machine and old, do you mean add a sub folder with your newer dbx files to where you over wrote them with the old ones ?

Ken Tue, 20 Jun 2006 08:45:45 -0400

How do I import OE4 (mbx/idx) files into outlook express 6.0 on a different machine? When I attempt this thru import messages (OE4.0) it says the fuiles are in use by another program

guyblom Mon, 12 Jun 2006 22:22:12 -0400

how do you use OE6 to open a different .pst file other than the one it is currently defaulting to? I am trying to use the import function but it makes me pick an email client to import from. The file I want to open is not associated with a client. It is just 'filename.pst'. I cant get it to see the file???

frank Thu, 8 Jun 2006 18:00:49 -0400

tere, have you checked your account if you are local administrator of that pc? I've already encounter that problem then may solution is that you need to be an administrator of that pc? only for XP:)

spydaks Thu, 8 Jun 2006 02:12:11 -0400

theres no mails in boxes opens

Gary McCarroll Tue, 6 Jun 2006 12:53:08 -0400

I have spent 36 hours trying to import all my folders to my formatted computer without success. I delete the read-only and then it appears again. Then I go to outlook, and try to import the folders and I got the same notice " this folder does not have files or they are being used". I am driving crazy. Thanks for your valuable help.

Tere Mon, 22 May 2006 21:10:08 -0400

After compacting my outlook express i have lost 2 months mail. How do i retrieve these messages in outlook express.

Michael Fri, 19 May 2006 04:09:32 -0400

Hi I'm getting an error when I import my .dbx files in outlook 2003. It says the files may be already being used, and to close them. I don't have them open, or another instance of outlook running, so I can't see why this happens. Can you help? Thanks

Jenny Thu, 18 May 2006 15:19:14 -0400

Migrating from Outlook Express 6 to Outlook 2002? Tried to import using the "Import Internet Mail and Addresses" in Outlook 2002 but does not take any of the 237 .dbx file in or the rules. 2002 does not supply an application import for the Outlook Express 6? Also claims another application haaas the mil locked. But no other application is running. Any suggestions?

BARNY Thu, 11 May 2006 15:44:40 -0400

Sir, After compacting my outlook express i have lost 2 months mail. How do i retrieve these messages in outlook express. please help me in this regard, GOD Bless You.

Prabhu Thu, 11 May 2006 08:59:43 -0400

How can i export data and mails from incrediblemail to microsoft outlook

naveed Thu, 11 May 2006 07:20:48 -0400

How can i export data and mails from incrediblemail to microsoft outlook

ganesh kumar Wed, 26 Apr 2006 03:32:36 -0400

Migrating from Windows 2000 Pro to XP pro.

I was able to find the OE mail .dbx files on the old machine. Couldn't find their counterpart location on the new machine. Does XP do something else?

I always knew about the hidden/system file problem with Windows and already had them available in searches and windows explorer views.

Where does XP put outlook express files??? I have all the .dbx files ready to copy but don't have a place for them.

FYI, This is supposed to be the path to where outlook express puts stuff: C:\Documents and Settings\<user_name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\...

Jerry Scannell Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:48:32 -0400

Remove mso findfast from windows xp

shalin mistry Mon, 10 Apr 2006 00:30:06 -0400

I am trying to copy my files from outlook express on windows ME to my new pc outlook express with windowsXP. I get the error message "no messages found or in use by another application." I think the problem is my cd burner makes the files read-only. Please help

elaine@mortonlifts.com Wed, 5 Apr 2006 13:49:31 -0400

Previously i used outlook express but now i am using Microsoft Outlook. How do i import old outlook express data into Microsoft outlook. Outlook express data output .dbx microsoft outlook output file .pst.

pawna Wed, 5 Apr 2006 06:29:40 -0400

Thank you so much for your instructions about moving my messages to my new computer. I appreciate your help so much!

Linn Smith Fri, 24 Mar 2006 22:27:25 -0500

Config sys files died on my xp up and running with 2 totally new hard drives - found the dbx files on the old hard drive - I am running it on an external usb 2.0 device - Can not figure out how to get the old files into to work in either outlook express or microsoft outlook ~~~~~~~ any help???

Sid Thu, 16 Mar 2006 16:48:46 -0500

For the past 2 weeks some of the emails that I send and some of the emails I receive in the inbox only show up on hotmail they do not show up on outlook express. what has gone wrong??

carol lewkowicz Mon, 6 Mar 2006 16:11:21 -0500

I have the same prob others have. How can i export data and mails from incrediblemail to outlook Thanks

jpaz Mon, 6 Feb 2006 18:29:46 -0500

hallo sir, i want to know that i m realy freshiar to use outlook express so i need urgent how to import export messages with 98 . xp .2000 wndows. plz help mi out i m desktop engineer so with users i want to gve solution abt messages so plz gve mi full explaination of how to imprt n how to export messagen in any above version

thnking u

bandekarpravin Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:58:12 -0500

I am having an issue importing a .pst file into Outlook 2003. I had four files and this is the only one I am having difficulty with. The file size is 2.43mb so size is not the issue.

Could it be anything besides a corrupt file?

B. Love Tue, 17 Jan 2006 14:42:34 -0500

How can i export Incredible Mails into Msoutlook 2003. Plz Help Me.

Afroz Ali Thu, 5 Jan 2006 01:31:13 -0500

How do I point Outlook Express to a differenet address book? I am running xp media edition OE6, and have multiple users and email accounts. When I start OE for any user they are all pointing to the same address book. I want separate address books for each user.

Dave Thu, 29 Dec 2005 11:54:41 -0500

How do I move my group lists in Outlook Express to Outlook?

Steve Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:36:54 -0500

How do you get Microsoft Word to read the address from Outlook Express? If you are in Word and bring up the Envelope and Labels box and click on Delivery Address an error appears: Logon failed: You must log on to Microsoft Exchange to access your address book. Error code: "Unspecified error". Thanks...

Leon Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:33:45 -0500

i got a new computer and new outlook express how do get my account and my old messages and my address book back? i got a maxtor one touch external drive and i backed up my old hd into it with dantz utility how do i find out what my old account was and what name it was under and where are the old emails and address book? please help as i have important emails stored

luis b Wed, 7 Dec 2005 08:56:58 -0500

Terribly, I got my old.dbx overwitten, because I did not renamed it before I started. Is there a way to restore the old.dbx? Help please!

May Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:55:59 -0500

Saved .dbx files from old machine to CD without upgrading to new OE first. Installed Windows XP which, of course, wiped everything out. Now can't put .dbx files into new system. Found location of e-mail files on new system but error message says "cannot copy. cyclic redundancy ....something". Can you help?

Elizabeth Tokariuk Fri, 4 Nov 2005 22:07:11 -0500

sir

We are facing the problem while restoring the messages in OE.Windows XP is already running on that machine. we supposed to reinstall the OS. we took the backup of emails for example exam.dbx using copy and paste. then we reinstalling the OS. Now Windows 2000 professional installed on that machine. Previously we are using OE 5.5 version on windows XP OS. now we are using OE 6.0 on windows 2000 professional.

I have three folder in my inbox. I restored everything except one folder. one folder i am not able to restor. pls let me know how to restore that missing folder.

pls give me a solution as early as possible

thanks in advance

yours truly govindarajan

k.s.govindarjan Thu, 3 Nov 2005 01:14:24 -0500

sir

I have three folder in my inbox. I restored everything except one folder. one folder i am not able to restor. pls let me know how to restore that missing folder.

pls give me a solution as early as possible

thanks in advance

yours truly govindarajan

k.s.govindarjan Thu, 3 Nov 2005 01:13:55 -0500

wht should we do if there's an error occured in .dll file?,,how should i remove it?

tab Tue, 25 Oct 2005 00:28:35 -0400

I found that Win XP has two places that look like the right place for the files to be copied...

The correct place to copy is the LOCAL SETTINGS folder in whichever user folder you want to copy your files. C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{324...A3D}\Microsoft\Outlook Express To move my accounts, in the old OE, I went to tools/accounts and then clicked export. My account was written out to an .iaf file. In the new OE, I clicked on tools/accounts and then clicked on import. To move my address book, on the old box, I searched for *.wab and then copied the file onto the new machine. In the new OE, I clicked on file/import/address book. I navigated to the *.wab file and it imported all of my addresses.

Dude Sat, 15 Oct 2005 18:26:54 -0400

I found that Win XP has two places that look like the right place for the files to be copied...

Dear sir, Can you tell me how is the address book helpful in E_mail application?

Sauleca Sun, 25 Sep 2005 19:35:51 -0400

hi everyone Possible cause: low disk space and low memory

Problems reason in my case: I tried to restore/copy (.dbx) file -- FROM --- old machine with 40 gb hdd, 128 mb RAM, outlook express 6 and OS win98 SE, but with Bad sectors on HDD --- To -- New machine with same configuration , but without any Bad sectors. the above problem occur while opening inbox folder, after restoring .dbx file in this folder C:\windows\Application data\identies\3CE6D 780-252D........\Microsoft\outlook express\.

while i used to restore .dbx file with win xp professional on other machine its working fine.

while tried to restore .dbx file with win 98 se , these problem occur. even I reload OS, changed HDD and RAM capacity, but can not able to solve the problem.

kindly suggest / advice the solutions.

with rgds shymk

shymk Sun, 25 Sep 2005 01:27:06 -0400

how to import outlook express data using C#?

anagha Wed, 31 Aug 2005 04:53:52 -0400

I wanted to break free of outlook but why did i think it was going to be easy? I exported .pst files and reformated and upgraded to WIN XP. I installed thunderbird but in order to import file I had to install Outlook. So I install Outlook Express 6.0 and can't import .pst files. Arrrgh!

Just wanted to vent

jaded Tue, 23 Aug 2005 19:25:11 -0400

Word.

Hank Nessip Tue, 23 Aug 2005 18:03:41 -0400

iam unble to send mails to my outlook2003 all optains are i checked it correct. its getting systeam administraton error code is #7.5.1 what is the solution.

gopi Fri, 19 Aug 2005 09:46:34 -0400

trying to import messages from outlook express (Windows 98 4.10.1998) to Windows XP. The old computer crashed and thrown away, but I was able to retrieve dbx files, and currently have them in a folder on my new computer. Do I need to get an outlook express version 4.0 up and running again in order to import the emails back to an outlook express, then try to move them over? I have an older laptop that has windows 98 4.10.2222A (newer version than the other 1998), but there is no outlook express--I would have to download it--which I haven't figured out how to do. Any ideas?

shelley Mon, 15 Aug 2005 20:38:37 -0400

dear sir i was using outlook express now dut to some reason i want ot use microsoft out look express but when i import my mails for outlook express ot microsoft out look express it creat problem in date many of mails show date when i import it (import date) not actually date.

vik Fri, 12 Aug 2005 06:43:37 -0400

I lost the power in my house tonight and when the electricity came back my computer did not work at all. I decided to do a recovery to bring it to its original version. It seems I lost all my messages from Outlook Express. Now how do I get them back? Any hope for me? These messages are very important.

Thanks, Jose

JOSE AYALA Thu, 11 Aug 2005 00:47:21 -0400

im trying to move an address book from my works network to my home computer. i have the location name just dont know how to do it

lawrence Thu, 4 Aug 2005 23:19:59 -0400

I am having the hardrive which is going bad replaced. I need to save my contacts which I have in Outlook 2000 to a CD preferably and then export the contacts back into Outlook after reinstalling the program. Please help. I have had to re-enter them 2 times already. Thankyou

Kimera Garrett Thu, 4 Aug 2005 12:10:29 -0400

How to arrange old and new emails in inbox and some information of attachments. by many thanks

Akbar Haghighati Mon, 1 Aug 2005 13:28:09 -0400

Hi, is it possible to know how to transfer the contents of my inbox, sent items, and contacts from Outlook Express 6, to a new PC which I am due to liven up this week. The new PC has got nothing on it, it is exactly new. Look forward to your reply...thanks...naz

Naztec Jaffer Wed, 20 Jul 2005 04:15:03 -0400

how i can export mails and contacts from outlook express 5.0 in one machintosh to microsoft outlook express 6 thanks

diego Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:05:35 -0400

Dear sir;

I would like to know how to take back up of my mails; am using microsoft outlook [office xp]. would you please lead me how to do this

Thanks Jayakrishnan

jk Mon, 18 Jul 2005 04:40:54 -0400

i got a new computer and had to reload outlook express/..how do i re connect with my old account i had ...i have lost all the files i had saved...how do i find out what my old account was and what name it was under i only use two email address...please help as i had important emails stored in a folder there

Diane Carter Sat, 16 Jul 2005 23:30:20 -0400

I hate microsoft!

killbil Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:12:56 -0400

Thanks a million, worked like a charm.

Kendrick Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:46:34 -0400

Am moving from Win98 to WinXP. Tried all yr ideas, including copying to another file on the new computer, switching Store file, etc. The only imports that show up in OE6 are the basic 5 folders with correct messages. All the others are actually in the directories as .dbx files but do not show in OE6. Any Plan B, C, D?

Ed Tue, 5 Jul 2005 21:56:49 -0400

Great article but a bit beyond my knowledge BUT I had an IT guy move my emails over to another user log in, and bring them back to my user after a clean up of sorts. I now have everything I used to have EXCEPT the dates of the emails I've saved. Any hints to retrieve them? And be as technical as you want as your reply will be going to him. thanks in advance Craig

Craig Fri, 17 Jun 2005 09:52:05 -0400

Heloo

I keep getting the following error message when I start up interent explore or go into my computer, etc. Can you help. i will be very very grateful

Anil Ernest Wed, 15 Jun 2005 01:22:31 -0400

Heloo

I keep getting the following error message when I start up interent explore or go into my computer, etc. Can you help. i will be very very grateful

Anil Wed, 15 Jun 2005 01:20:45 -0400

Here is the fix http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;264872

Bob Fri, 10 Jun 2005 19:26:36 -0400

Hello, In my outlook express i m not able see some of the folders and i m sure that nobody toched my computer. However in store folder i can see all the folder in .dbx format. And i even copied that store floder on another location to import the emails but when i try to import the emails i couldn't see the folders to import. please give me the solution.

Shailesh Lonare Mon, 6 Jun 2005 02:56:16 -0400

System Windows XP Professional V 2000 Sevice Pack 2. Outlook Express. Single Hard Drive - HDS722580VLSA 80, 78521 MB. No Partitions. On April 14 05 emails for period 31 March 05 to April 14 05 disappeared suddently from Inbox which I was using Outlook Express. Used the Micrsoft Knowledgebase to find missing folder name and located other emails but not for the period 31 Match 05 to 14 April 05. Will data receovery professional be able to help.

Brij Punj Mon, 30 May 2005 12:38:55 -0400

Please tell me how I can move my address book from outlook express in my old computer to outlook express in my new computer. I have windowsxp. I am so frustrated because I need my address book. Thanks

Bobbie Mon, 23 May 2005 20:40:20 -0400

Due to some problems i had to format my hard disk hence i copied the full disk to another partition. later i loaded win xp again. Now i want to copy / import my earlier mails of oe6 to the present oe6 which i am unable to do. Kindly help me out.

dave Sun, 22 May 2005 09:51:27 -0400

How do I export all my current *.dbx files and settings to Outlook 2000, on the another PC. My PC have win98 OS and another is WinXP. is it possible.

Nishanth Sat, 21 May 2005 03:49:03 -0400

I accidentally deleted an Outlook Folder named "saved mail" I have tried endlessly to import ot off of the TAPE BACKUP that I do weekly. I extracted the file from a tape to a floppy and when I try to import it, it tells me there are no messages or that the folder is already in use.

ANTI_MICROSOFT Fri, 20 May 2005 21:55:20 -0400

FOR PHILIP DICKINSON make sure that the files are not read-only (right-click on them and go to properties to do that) and copy them (do not import them) in the folder where OE is storing your messagges. I think you are going to have to copy the files prior to do this, because all the files that are on CDs are read-only Hope it works

Alejandro Buren Tue, 17 May 2005 13:39:19 -0400

I am totally lost and not particularly computer literate All I want to do is save my emails on my old machine to disk I did it once before but dont know how except I MOVED ALL from outlook express to MS outlook but beyond that brain failure any thoughts gary

gary cowan Tue, 17 May 2005 10:25:02 -0400

In morning the system provided two options while opening the MS Outlook. 1.. Create a new personal folder . 2.. Open an existing .pst folder.. Unfortunately i clicked the 1st option Create new folder and proceeded .. And after that Iam not getting my old mails .. But they are in its old location .. How to get my old mails without import option..

Anonymous Thu, 12 May 2005 08:59:39 -0400

I have a similar problems as previous submitters. I am going from OE6 to OE6, and from CD backups. The folders are in the proper storage location, but they do not show up in OE. When I try to import, first I get the message, "This message store cannot be opened. It may be in use by Outlook Expres." When I click OK, I get a second messate, "No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open."

Philip Dickinson Sun, 8 May 2005 20:17:42 -0400

Hi, I've been having the same problem as S Narula. ERROR MESSAGE IS: Outlook Express 6 \"No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open.\" I don't have the folders.dbx, offline,dbx or cleanuplog.dbx files. I tried right clicking and going into the properties option of the outer folder "microsoft"/ "Outlook" I tried removing the read only option.......and the moment I exit and right click to check the properties again, the READ ONLY option is STILL there.

Please Help

Alejandro Buren Wed, 4 May 2005 11:51:57 -0400

When I try to export my addresss book from Outlook Express 5.5 the "adddress book export tool block" is empty. No cvs to select. Help

Keith Wed, 4 May 2005 00:43:47 -0400

Dear Shayok,

Pls HELP!!! SOS!

The problem is that I have upgraded to XP from Windows 2000 (But the MS Office version is the same 2000) I took a backup of all my outlook identities on a CD, which now after upgrading my system, I have copied in a folder, then when i am trying to import it to my Outlook I get the following message:

ERROR MESSAGE IS: Outlook Express 6 \"No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open.\"

Although I tried removing the folder.dbx (As someone suggested here.but it didn't work for me), then on right clicking and going into the properties option of the outer folder "microsoft"/ "Outlook" I tried removing the read only option.......and the moment I exit and right click to check the properties again, the READ ONLY option is STILL there, I tried several times now, over the past few days, tried copying the .dbx files to other newly created folders but no success.....

Therefore Pls help

S Narula Mon, 2 May 2005 14:43:49 -0400

Great Job! I was having quite the time trying to sift through microsoft help files (and not getting anywhere!)

Thank you

Lia Sun, 1 May 2005 23:30:45 -0400

Hi, When i try to reply a message i'm getting "There was an Error opening this message An Error has occured".Cna u pls help me solving this big headache. Thanks in advance jawhaar

Jawahar Fri, 29 Apr 2005 07:20:17 -0400

I am migrating from Outlook express to Microsoft outlook. My outlook express is not able to export to .pst and it for some reason gives an error. I know express uses dbx and outlook uses .pst. What is the easiest way to do it. I have dozens of folders and several thousand emails. Help is appretiated.

Nabeel Thu, 28 Apr 2005 20:18:34 -0400

That work fine i got my inbox but there are no sub folders, Inbox -> Job1

Cheers Ken

Ken Thu, 21 Apr 2005 12:10:29 -0400

The error message that OE6 could not find any mail messages in a specified location when trying to import my old messages to our recently pimped PC was cracking my head all morning. I happened to browse this website and although the straightforward suggestions didn't solve my problems at first, a little perseverance did the trick. The identities folder wasn't hidden from me and the messages I had copied from my back-up cd weren't READ-ONLY files when I put them back on my hdd. I deleted the log textfile and folders.dbx. When I tried importing from this OE6 stored location again, it worked and my eyes began to water. If that doesn't work, try pasting back a copy of the folders.dbx.

I thought I needed to revert to an older version of OE6 or even worse... revert from XP to Win98. No offense meant.

Thanks to everyone who wrote on this sight.

Kampai!!!

JC Tue, 19 Apr 2005 08:00:15 -0400

I just looked at the rest of your site (relaxing after following your advice that fixed my email problems) What breathtkaing photography! Kudos!!

Grateful Gwen Sat, 16 Apr 2005 07:32:37 -0400

After four hours of moving files here and there, making folders, importing nothing, and following Microsoft's great (NOT!!) advice, which as always was totally useless, I followed your instructions. Voila! There were my files! You are a godsend! Speaking of sending, I am in the mood to send you a few dollars, and very gratefully too! I don't say that to just anyone! How do I do that? By the way, on this import subject, the Microsoft website has a link to a $20 product to import time consuming text files as a last resort. The arrogant nerve of those people. Dear Santa, please send me a Mac-----------------

Grateful Gwen Sat, 16 Apr 2005 07:24:13 -0400

Dear Shayok or other users of this helpful bulletin board,

Re: importing message files into new computer with windows xp...OE6.

The crucial step of showing hidden files still eludes me.

In windows explorer....still cannot see hidden files....in particular the .dbx files or message files in the outlook outlook express 6 folder where they are meant to found. This is despite checking on the settings in control panel/files and folders/view ....where the box to show hidden files and folders is indeed checked as you have helpfully suggested.

If I do manage to uncover them....do I understand from the above instructions that I simply "drag and drop" my old inbox and sent file from my saved OE 4 into the now OE6 utilised folder for inbox and sent messages, replacing the new versions files in this simple fashion?

Thanks

David

David Fri, 8 Apr 2005 17:45:08 -0400

FIX IS: Search and find your *.dbx files. Block mark all these and right click the mouse. Select properties. Remove the tick in the Read-only attributes button box. Open OE6 and then use the File,Import,Messages,MSOE6,Import from an OE6 store,Browse to your *.dbx location - and then Robert's your fathers brother! Simple innit!

brusselsangel Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:52:43 -0500

I use XP SP2 (Home) & XP Office. I decided to try Outlook Express 6 and I imported the inbox from Outlook 2002 to OE 6. After awhile, I decided I really prefer Outlook and want to go back to it. When I tried to import the files out of OE 6 to Outlook, they imported, but the date on everything is the date of the import, NOT the date I received the e-mail. Is there a way to work around this? Thank you so much! Julia

Julia Sun, 27 Mar 2005 21:24:17 -0500

please send me the best ways of export and soultions for the problems that will face us .

mukhtar mughles Sun, 27 Mar 2005 08:19:00 -0500

I found that I had imported my entire hotmail account to outlook express. I changed my preferences so that the messages will stay on the server from now on. However, I can't seem to find directions about how to export the messages back to hotmail. I'm sure it's easy... any suggestions?

Cara Tue, 22 Mar 2005 13:39:46 -0500

My messages are disappearing on their own once they are read, why is this happening and where are they going?

Mary Tue, 15 Mar 2005 09:43:13 -0500

I want to export messages and Address Bood from Incredible Mail to Outlook Express. Thanks

lauri Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:08:27 -0500

I am using XP Professional Edition On my new machine and i get this error mentioned below when i try to import my messages to outlook express 6 \"No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open.\"

The .dbx files are in the folder and only Outlook Express is running.

Anyone have any thoughts or solutions for this. (I\'m

importing from OE6.0 and using OE6.0 on the new machine.)

Please help Me

Alejandro Buren Tue, 8 Mar 2005 07:36:35 -0500

Hi Jerryuuc, the identities folder is in "C:\Documents and Settings\yourname\Local settings\Application Data\Identities". They're hidden, so the best way to see them is (in Windows Explorer) to go to the Tools menu, Folder Options, View Tab and in there click the "Show hidden files and folders" option. I hope this is useful

Alejandro Buren Tue, 8 Mar 2005 07:35:47 -0500

i just wrote you this in Email...I know others have same question no doubt? while doing a search for help in importing my win 98 machine outloook express to my new winXP machine... I' m really an old hand at doing it but..altough i did not have much trouble moving my adress book....i can't find any .dbx files on my new XP computer....all file showing on....I don't have a clue about those other files it made during the export..but i know if i can get my dbx files in the new onei got it made?...where does xp hide that identities folder...i see many people are having the same problem i have....but i don't see any anwers about where dbx files arre...or does XP not use them anymore?maybe thats what those new wired files. cvs and .ima ...are all about...can you help me please ...find the missing .dbx;s?...thanks a ton ...friend! jerryc

jerryuuc Fri, 4 Mar 2005 17:06:56 -0500

Great help!!! For yrs I have been stumped with putting old e-mails back into OE. Always copied/backed up/or what ever and do you think I could put them back after a reformat? Never never never until I read here that is was the "READ ONLY" switch. Thanks thanks thanks. Was a pain going through ALL the files changing from "READ ONLY" Miss a file and you have to go through it all over again. Now I have the e-mails from my late mom on my computer. Do you think MS would have this simple answer in the help section, that would be too easy plus who wants to pay for the help line.

Suggestion here: make sure that A: all files are "READ" unchecked, do this in windows explorer. B: while in windows explorer delete 4 (out of disrespect there are no capitals here)files "folders", "offline", "cleanuplog". Did mine in batches to find any errors faster. Worked for me, have all my folders back!! Brain surgery is also easy when you know how

Bill Tue, 1 Mar 2005 22:03:45 -0500

Thanks. I was feeling like I must be the only one in the world who wanted to migrate my OE6 to a new machine. All the traditional sources like Microsoft and the help files and \"name brand\" expert sites seem to fail to understand user needs.

Brian Eidem Mon, 28 Feb 2005 01:42:30 -0500

Hi again Shayok, Just a quick note to let you know that I have found a solution to my problem. And no it wasn\'t buy a Mac though boy am I seriously considering it now....

Anyway I think this might help a lot of your other readers so here is what I did.

1) Download a copy of MailNavigator shareware 2) MailNavigator can read .MBX folderfiles fine 3) Then export from MailNavigator into a \"Eudora\" mailbox 4) OE6 Import wizard *CAN* read Eudora mailfolders

There is an easy to follow set of detailed instructions on the MailNavigator site. So I will not reproduce. But it works fine.

The irony that Microsoft software can\'t read something created by an earlier version of their own product but can from a 3rd party hasn\'t escaped me.

\"What do you want to do today.....\" \"Er, quite fancy doing some work thanks!\"

Thanks for running your site. It provided the clues I needed. Glen

Glen Fri, 25 Feb 2005 09:53:17 -0500

Hi Shayok, And there I was thinking I was the only one with this problem importing.... Bring me the head W. Gates....

I have a very similar problem, but with a nasty twist.

I had a hard disk crash on my old laptop, W95 OE4 (i think). A data recovery firm managed to get back my folder full of .MBX files. Having put these files in a new folder on my new PC (WXP OE6) I encounter the problem you describe. Eg OE6 \"wizard\" import simply doesn\'t recognise these .mbx files. I can\'t put oe6 on my old laptop to convert the mbx to dbx as that is as dead as a dodo.

I could read the .mbx files with \"mailnavigator\" fine. But that doesn\'t seem to have a facility to create .dbx files. It could export individual mail messages into individual .msg files which if double clicked were opened by.... my new OE6.... but I have hundreds of e-mails so not practical to use this method for all.

As I suspect is the case with many of the people who come to you I am now at my wits end. Can you suggest anything? I\'ll try anything (legal!)

Thanks Glen

glen Fri, 25 Feb 2005 08:57:05 -0500

I was wondering how i can get my hotmail email to be sent my Microsoft Outlook. I\'m totally ignorant to Outlook, so I need a lot of help. Thanks!

Mary Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:08:03 -0500

I am using XP Professional Edition On my new machine and i get this error mentioned below when i try to import my messages to outlook express 6

\"No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open.\"

The .dbx files are in the folder and only Outlook Express is running.

Anyone have any thoughts or solutions for this. (I\'m

importing from OE6.0 and using OE6.0 on the new machine.)

Please help Me

Alejandro Buren Tue, 22 Feb 2005 15:10:05 -0500

I\'m regretting using MSOE now that I have to go through so many hoops with so much uncertainty just to save volumes of important e-mail from one machine to take to another. I\'ve even considered taking the bait to buy MSO but in testing the export feature of my MSOE I get an error message.

I\'ll give your method a try, but this will take ages...

Don Thu, 17 Feb 2005 06:53:30 -0500

helped lots. Found the files and save them to a CD. Moved the CD from old machine to new machine and when importing, Outlook Express 6 imported directly from the Cd. Thanks. Saved me much agrivation. Have a nice day.

john Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:12:21 -0500

Jennifer, one way would be to fill in the email id (which I do not post on this page to protect you from spam). However, in general all that I know on this subject is in the article, and I\'m not spending any more time to learn about MS stuff than I absolutely had to.

Shayok Mukhopadhyay Tue, 15 Feb 2005 06:57:28 -0500

Hello, nice landscapes. I\'ll try with OE6, my files are enormous. keep in touch

Adele Sun, 13 Feb 2005 18:36:32 -0500

How do we get answers once we submit questions?

Thank you! Jennifer

Jennifer Sat, 12 Feb 2005 15:36:33 -0500

This is terrific advice, very many thanks. Another method if you have Outlook is to export emails from OE to Outlook on the old machine (using the export/messages command), rename the existing outlook.pst file on the new machine to something else (e.g. outlook.buz) then copy the outlook.pst file with the emails in it from the old machine to the relevant directory of the new machine. Open outlook on the new machine where you will find all your emails. Then open OE on the new machine and import messages from Outlook using the import/messages command. Outlook 97 and Outlook 2000 can read one another\'s pst files, unlike different versions of OE. The outlook file can be pretty big, you\'ll need a CD burner or network. Back-up before you start.

Sebastian Macmillan Sun, 6 Feb 2005 06:03:39 -0500

This is regarding Farooq\'s problem. One possible problem in this case could be that the .DBX files which you have copied have the property of Read only.For all DBx files in properties remove the read only status n try importing.

Vinayak Bhende Mon, 31 Jan 2005 23:02:08 -0500

hey! i want little help from u i had this this mean i had copied my .dbx files on that folder that is mention on store folder path but after coping outlook is not detecting that files i have tried to import files but it prompt that the is not mail files that have to be imported so so .... kindly let me know wht i have to do in this regard most urgently thanking u and i am using xp OEM Edition that Comes with my Pc.

farooq Sun, 30 Jan 2005 04:36:05 -0500

I am using XP Home Edition On Both The Machine While Importing the dbx file on new machine i get this error mentioned below

on both the machine i am using outlook express 6

"No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open."

The .dbx files are in the folder and only Outlook Express is running.

Anyone have any thoughts or solutions for this. (I'm

importing from OE6.0 and using OE6.0 on the new machine.)

Please help Me

Evans Joe Desouza Sat, 29 Jan 2005 08:26:43 -0500

I could not get my compacted .dbx outlook express folders from my old computer into my new and you helped me!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Your How To Export/Import Messages from/to Microsoft Outlook Express instructions were clear, concise, kinda funny, irreverent, and extremely helpful.

I wish I could help you land a software job, but I have no such connections or power. Your photographs are beautiful.

I cannot thank you enough!!!

grateful in Louisiana Fri, 28 Jan 2005 11:06:41 -0500

So incredibly helpful! You saved me so much time - actually, I had already wasted lots of time on this to no avail -but thanks for putting this info here.

Janice Thu, 27 Jan 2005 12:54:33 -0500

How do I arrange to transfer all my current *.dbx files and settings to Outlook 2002, on the another PC. My PC have win2000 OS and another is WinXP. is it possible.

Neeraj Sharma Wed, 26 Jan 2005 02:28:55 -0500

Dear sir

I am please if you can help me, i have export my email from outlook express knowing where i have export them to. There are no more email in my inbox. I don't even delete any thing. They have export but i don't know where they go.

Is there any way to find them and bring them back?

Thanks

Tom

Tom Wed, 26 Jan 2005 01:21:36 -0500

How do I arrange to transfer all my current OE6 files and settings to Outlook 2002, on the same PC. My PC is a P4, with 512 Mb RAM etc

Pat Norton Tue, 25 Jan 2005 21:35:28 -0500

I'll just answer my own question! Yes! If you do not import ALL .dbx files, you will get the error messages listed in the previous message.

Shayok Mukhopadhyay, you are a god! (Please tell me that the technical writers at your company appreciate you!) Thank you for this most excellent site!

Bette Sun, 23 Jan 2005 01:02:15 -0500

I've followed your instructions, but when I try the Import command I get the following message:

"No message can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open."

The .dbx files are in the folder and only Outlook Express is running. Could this problem occur because I'm trying to import only some of my .dbx files? (for example, I'm not trying to import Outbox.dbx, DeletedFiles.dbx, etc.)

Anyone have any thoughts or solutions for this. (I'm importing from OE6.0 and using OE6.0 on the new machine.)

Bette Sun, 23 Jan 2005 00:03:40 -0500

I have been fighting with this all day, essentially doing what you describe here BUT WITH MISSING A CRITICAL INGREDIENT: apparently you can't pick and choose which folders you want to transfer; you have to copy ALL of the folders (from the old machine) over the new, preset folders in OE on the new machine. Thanks so much!

Amy Tue, 18 Jan 2005 22:37:21 -0500

I have xp pro on old computer. How to move address file to new computer that has xp on it. Thanks Francis

Francis Harris Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:43:43 -0500

Thanks I wish that I had found this site long time back. I save stuff when I have to reformat but never knew I could get my mail back.

Thanks

James Sun, 16 Jan 2005 23:43:13 -0500

I forgot to take backup of address book before formatting.. Can i recover the address book after fresh installation on C. Plzzz help.

Puniti Fri, 14 Jan 2005 02:08:12 -0500

I could'nt say how many computer shops I called to get this help, then someone said "did you try google?" I use Google all the time for help...duhh. Just wanted to say thank you for posting this, it was driving me crazy and I still have 11 more machines to do this to, and was getting nowhere fast. Thanks again. Warner

W Saxton Tue, 11 Jan 2005 13:50:48 -0500

Hello Shayok,

I want to move my address book from Microsoft Outlook To Microsoft Outlook Express, Plz suggest me how can i do this?

nitin Mon, 10 Jan 2005 07:05:45 -0500

Hi Shayok. Your suggestion seemed the clearest of those I have looked at on the Internet. But I'm unclear about your 'old' and 'new' versions of OE...does this change anything? I need to move my Inbox messages from v6 OE on old computer to v6 OE on new computer. Nothing on the new computer yet. I'll have to use a USB Flash drive to do this. Which of your steps are relevant for this?

PAul Donkersley Thu, 6 Jan 2005 16:35:19 -0500

Thank you, this was most helpful. I have a love/hate relationship with Microsoft, and this is a great example of the "hate" side. How can this still be so difficult in 2004? AUUGGHH.

H.Hunter Wed, 22 Dec 2004 22:31:04 -0500

This is incredible! I tried it out and it works..Thanks alot!

Anonymous Tue, 21 Dec 2004 23:09:00 -0500

transfer address book from cox.net to hotmail.com

tr Wed, 15 Dec 2004 22:01:28 -0500

hi.. i need some help with Outlook, I've an outlook account in two computers.. one in my laptop and another one in a pc.. can i combine my emails into just one computer?

hays Wed, 15 Dec 2004 21:36:21 -0500

hello sir,can u help me.......... i'm using OE mail. before this i'm using one old pc,now i'm upgrade a new pc so i going import my mail in my new pc............ give me the steps.............

chandini Mon, 13 Dec 2004 01:41:40 -0500

Hello Shayok,

I have some serious system problem in both my systems that are networked. and both systems have different mail ID's configured to OE. I'm using win98 and IE6 on both. Since my OS started giving problems, I wish to upgrade my OS to win 2000. Can U help me move / copy my entire OE after upgrading my systems.??

Please be informed that both the systems contain more than 2000 mails that are very important / critical for my business operations......

Would be glad and ever grateful if U could help me out!!

Prabha Wed, 8 Dec 2004 02:56:08 -0500

Shayok: Many thx for your OE6 export/import tips. I once had Outlook blow up on my and it finally brought down my whole system. I learned then not to trust it and have been around MS products long enough to not be surprised when MS app utils don't work. I tried exporting my mail files 2 times. Then immediately Googled the problem and found you solutions nearly at the top of the results! 10 Mins later I had my networked computer running all files in OE6. Many, many thanks!

Jon Sat, 4 Dec 2004 00:24:12 -0500

Sorry for the late reply. i just want to say thank you very much Shayok. the tip u gave me worked very well. i could get all my backup msgs from floppy to the OE6.i really appreciate ur help.thanks once again.

bugg Sun, 28 Nov 2004 14:57:29 -0500

Don't use OE6 with FindFast from Office97.

Razvan Sun, 28 Nov 2004 09:58:43 -0500

In one of the latest OE6 versions (delivered along with Windows XP/SP2) the import function does work: Copy your OE4 data (i.e. the .idx and .mbx files) from the old machine (Windows 98) to the new machine, open OE6 and choose file/import/messages/OE4 and the folder where the data is. I just did it: The emails and folders in OE6 seem exactly as before in OE4.

Stefan Sat, 27 Nov 2004 18:02:05 -0500

it worked!!! thank you very much!!! been trying to find the solution for the past hour! thanks again

marcy Wed, 24 Nov 2004 10:01:42 -0500

Can you help with a problem related to the above? I have oe4 because there is a problem with my win98 and there's a dll file missing which means I've had to roll back from oe6. I want to put emails from oe4 onto my new machine's outlook 2003. Can't export emails from oe4 to outlook though.Any hope?

Sarah Tue, 23 Nov 2004 13:01:50 -0500

Greetings: I followed your directions and found the info worked very well. When I travel I wanted to move my Inbox and Sent Mail box to my laptop and when I return, just the opposite. I did have to go to the control panel as you suggested and have the hidden files and folders appear. In OE I used the Store Folder as you suggested and found the exact location of the OE folders. Thanks,

Bill Spiegelhalter Satellite Beach, Florida

Bill Spiegelhalter Tue, 23 Nov 2004 11:58:58 -0500

Bugg, try "Tools|Options|Maintenance|Store Folder" mentioned above to point OE6 to your floppy disk to see if OE6 can read the .dbx files (or copy them to some place on your hard disk and point OE to that location).

K, I'm not familiar with this read-only feature... maybe the .dbx files are read-only?

Shayok Mukhopadhyay Mon, 22 Nov 2004 22:55:15 -0500

I have followed all of your great instructions.....however, my big issue is that the messages that I copied are "read only"....I've tried to re-associate them. That didn't work. What next?

K Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:25:10 -0500

Hey Shayok, is it possible to import the backup.dbx files which were zipped up into a floppy back to outlook express. please advice me .

bugg Mon, 22 Nov 2004 14:29:03 -0500

That was bloody good. I read your instructions on OE export/import just moments before I destroyed my brand new HP pavillion. Legend!

Gerard Fri, 19 Nov 2004 23:19:00 -0500

Shayok, Thanks for your suggestion and info on where the message files are stored. I moved my old file folders over and over wrote my new inbox with your email in it! Glad I could relocate you and say thanks. Still having trouble getting my old folders to work. Succssfully retrieved adress book though, which was most important. Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it. Keith

Keith Wed, 10 Nov 2004 00:31:26 -0500

Shayok, I've transferred my old email folders and address book (.dbx files) to new computer and placed them in the c:\program files\outlook file folder. Seemed like the logical spot, since this folder was already set up in XP on my new machine. I can't figure out how to get my old inbox/sent messages, etc. into my new active outlook 6.

Keith Tue, 9 Nov 2004 03:01:53 -0500

Microsoft Outlook Express (and most other MS software) is useless!!!!! They dont make it easy to do anything and dont give any assistance in doing anything. I have recently upgraded my computer equipment, and needed to transfer all my emails to my new XP machine from 98. In the help menu's of OE, there is plenty of info on how to compress and back-up emails to .dbx files, but do you think I can find any info on how to actually retrieve the emails from the .dbx file. I finally figured out how to transfer the Identities to the new system and thus the emails. So just a word to anybody from Microsoft. MAKE YOUR SOFTWARE EASIER TO USE YOU GEEKS!!!!!!

Nickuss Sun, 7 Nov 2004 20:55:23 -0500

These instructions work but they are not moving mail which I had placed in created folders under the Inbox...am I doing something wrong or is there something else to do to include these folders?

Laura Fri, 29 Oct 2004 21:53:20 -0400

Please instruct me on how to transfer my email addresses from miscrosoft outlook to microsoft outlook express on the same computer.

Joseph_Dumizo Fri, 29 Oct 2004 13:28:25 -0400

Thank you for your invaluable help! The trickiest part of the process was that you have to first create the new mail folders in the "new" OE before you copy the .dbx files from the "old" OE. I would have thought you could just copy the files over, and OE would recognize them as new folders!!!

Erik G. Thu, 28 Oct 2004 01:00:41 -0400

Dear sir,

How to transfer my outlook mails to microsoft outlook kindly provide me the solution.

Thanks Ruchir

Ruchir Dua Mon, 25 Oct 2004 04:14:19 -0400

THANK YOU very much. Everything worked perfectly. All my e-mails are back in place. Really aprpeciate the help.

Anonymous Fri, 8 Oct 2004 13:11:55 -0400

Hey John, Thanks for that post, I was struggling for ages with Outlook Express "Could not display folder" and it was because the folder somehow got to read only. Thanks!

Anonymous Sun, 3 Oct 2004 10:45:01 -0400

Anish, check to see if any of the OE files are set to read-only. This will cause the error you mention. Good luck!

John Fri, 17 Sep 2004 11:36:39 -0400

Wow. All the mainstream sites and the so-called "help" features on Outlook all failed me. Your instructions were clear and did not miss a single step. I had absolutely zero problems with getting this done with your kind help. Thank-you very kindly! Great job!

Rajeev Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:57:15 -0400

Anish, make sure you have the same version of OE on both machines. Other than that, I can only point you to the Microsoft Knowledgebase article mentioned below by Mike on Aug 29.

Shayok Mukhopadhyay Wed, 15 Sep 2004 07:14:33 -0400

I had the exact problem as this person here stated 1 month ago. WHat advice did you give him and how was this problem resolved?

Hi..while migrating from one PC to another, i took backup of my OE on older machine as .dbx files on CD. When i tried to paste(overwrite) these files on new PC , i found that when i am trying to open OE it is giving error "Folder could not be displayed Outlook Express could not open this folder. Possible causes are: Low disk space. Low memory." Can you help in resolving this problem.... Thanks in advance, Anish

Anish Thu, 12 Aug 2004 16:50:36 -0400

Peter Wed, 15 Sep 2004 04:24:55 -0400

I really appreciated your notes on how to rescue Outlook Express e-mail - you have saved my day!

Denis Rutovitz Wed, 1 Sep 2004 11:41:52 -0400

ok, i got to transfer all files from 98 ole to new comp. xp via network connection. Everything is well expect i can not read old email. all the old folders are there but no old email. it is vital to this company im consulting to have all email. please email me with a suggestion ASAP. The client has over 33,000 email from 2002 to present. all are vital for records since business is conducted overseas. i used a free backup wizard- good. ole is upgraded with all service packs on both comp.

Emmanuel Tue, 31 Aug 2004 15:01:50 -0400

I too had a hard time getting messages from one computer running OE 6 on Win 98 to my new system running OE 6 on XP. After a few hours of struggle I found a very easy method that worked and is documented by Microsoft on their support site. See Microsoft Knowledgebase article 313055.

Basically you need copy all the .dbx files from the old Outlook Express system, making sure to include the folders.dbx file, to a folder on the new system. Start OE on the new system, click file, import, messages, select MS OE 6, and then make sure to pick "Import mail from an OE6 store directory". Then OE will find all the folders and let you pick and choose which ones to import.

It works great!

Mike Kutchik Sun, 29 Aug 2004 00:11:36 -0400

I followed your clear instructions, with exception of renaming my old files so they would not overwrite the new ones where they overlapped. I also had a number of other folders beyond Inbox etc. OE6 does not recognize any of the latter. So then I copied all my various folders in the old OE6 into the Inbox (as subsidiary folders), then transported that file to new computer and substituted that new inbox.dbx for the old one. OE6 sdees only the messages in the uppermost inbox, not any in subsidiary folders within Inbox.dbx! $%^&$! Any suggestions? I really want to keep my extensive correspondence files from the old computer.

Stefan Sun, 15 Aug 2004 22:37:18 -0400

Can you help in resolving this problem.... Thanks in advance, Anish

Anish Thu, 12 Aug 2004 16:50:36 -0400

Hi, I would really appreciate an expert opinion. I purchased a really good PC (or so I thought)in Nov 03 which came pre-installed with XP. I have had endless hassles with the manufacturer and lack of service etc. I have now in desperation bought my own XP version and need to install it.What is the best way? Do I have to delete everything on the PC first? I have made bach-ups onto discs, but cannot do this with Outlook Express...I have copied all the files to disc, but then I cannot open them again. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, William.

William MacLean Fri, 6 Aug 2004 13:29:35 -0400

Hello, I tried doing a backup on my computer by using Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, I saved it on to a ZIP and it converted to a DAT file, USMT2IMG, but I now try to put them on my new computer, and it won't transfer. Not even using the Import or anything. Can I convert the file to a .ibx or .mbx?

I thought you might help me out or know about a web site that might do so!

Troubled, Alonzo Ugarte

Alonzo Ugarte Fri, 6 Aug 2004 10:41:57 -0400

Is it possible to transfer an existing *.ost file (from MS Outlook 2000) to a new directory in MS OE (ver 6) if I no longer have the old machine, just the file.

Thanks

Cynda Tue, 3 Aug 2004 15:24:31 -0400

Thank you so much for this helpful page! I was able to get over 1000 messages I had from my old computer thanks to you!

Rose Tue, 3 Aug 2004 00:42:56 -0400

Good concise instructions. The key seems to be updating the old machine to IE 6.0 before attempting. Once you find the directories it is a cinch to copy them to the new machine and browse to them. Could do via network connection without copying but after many bad Microsoft experiences, prudence (i.e. safety net)is always a good idea. Thanks much.

Mark Randle Wed, 28 Jul 2004 23:10:05 -0400

Do you know of any way of how to combine the dbx files? I want to add both the inboxes of my laptop (XP) and my Windows 98 on to my new XP. It would be great if there's a way

Danny V Fri, 23 Jul 2004 13:35:03 -0400

Thx for the help. I work in IT using mainly Outlook not express. I spent half an hour looking for the damn folder after exporting the emails,.......before seaching the web for the answer....Microsoft intuitive as always..... thx for the info

Tim Wed, 21 Jul 2004 07:09:36 -0400

Very clear instructions... Actually I used them to recover OE6 messages on a computer where XP was reinstalled. Thank you very much!

Alx Tue, 20 Jul 2004 07:27:58 -0400

I am not pontificating, but asking. I am trying (on the same machine) to copy my address book from Microsoft Outlook (my old dial-up internet access, which I will keep for a while) to Outlook Express (my new high speed cable access). I prefer copying the file rather than moving it so I can use the old dial-up while people transition. I may also keep a cheap dial-up connection for the times cable goes down.

Do you have any suggestions based on your experience?

Thanks

Alan Ehrlich Sun, 18 Jul 2004 21:11:56 -0400

Thank you very,very much! I have spent such a long time reading so many instructions on how to transfer messages over to my new computer and how to get rid of the read only attributes on folders etc etc. THIS WORKS! IT REALLY WORKS!! It is very generous of you to share your knowledge and I really appreciate it. Why does that lousy Microsoft not put such useful and simple-to follow instructions in their knowledge base?

S Chiew Thu, 8 Jul 2004 17:02:13 -0400

Hi there,

first of all thanks for your great aid! I have just been in the same situation as you. Nevertheless your hint guided me to a more convenient solution: As I was checking out whether I could update OE from the WinXP CD I figured out that upon autostart there is an option to transfer files and setups (as I have the German version I don't know the exact wording). So: done that on Win98 (unchecked all apps except from OE) creating 2 files (IMG00001.DAT and status), copied these files to the new PC and ran the same option again. Went all fine except from some strange mails marked as having been created at this very moment.

Check it out and have a great year 2004!! Best wishes Goetz

Goetz Reinecke Fri, 26 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0500

In OE6/Windows XP your messages are located in the folder SystemDrive:Documents and SettingsUser... This can be easily identified by using search utility. Search for .dbx file(s) in your system drive. Copy and paste the files in the corresponding folder of the new windows user. That is always working great for me. Jeremy

Jeremy Thu, 20 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0500

Thank you very much.

I'm exporting from OE 6. What does the actualy OE OE Export util do??? And where does the file (s) it creates go?? I think they are NOT the same *.dbx files that the program actually uses for it's mailboxes? They seems to be modified when closing or opening OE, and also when exporting. So is there any exporting going on, if so to where? What the heck does the export util do, if not create a file?

In your section about "Retaining emails from both machines", you don't explain how to get the new folders to be VISIBLE in OE on the new machine?

Thank you very much.

Tony G Wed, 19 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0500

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I tried all afternoon to get old OE4 messages to import from my old machine into WinXp OE6. Nothing worked. I found your page and figured I had nothing to lose. Your steps worked like a charm. I had my machines networked and was actually able to import the old messages directly from the backup file I created on the old machine. However, your steps for locating the old messages were what helped the most, since I could not find them until I updated to OE6 from OE4. No idea why, but, hey!, it worked!

Anonymous Tue, 14 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0400

Although the author did a good job of laying out steps -- this process did not work for me on a win xp pro machine. simply placing the files into the store folder was not sufficient to bring in the old messages -- no working solution was ever found.

visitor Sat, 19 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0400

Name	email (optional, unless you want a response)
	Go ahead, pontificate! but limit yourself to 3000 characters (no html).