How to Backup Outlook Express (OE) Email, Settings, Address Book, Rules, and Accounts... Continued

Now that all of your contacts have been moved from your old Outlook Express address book to your new Outlook Express address book, we need to move your folders and messages. These files tell Outlook Express who has sent you emails and where you filed them. All of the folder you created as well as the Inbox, the Deleted Items Folder, and your Junk Mail folders are all stored in these files.

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*note* - Before you begin this process you will need to perform a basic maintenance process on your new and your old computers. This tutorial was written for users of Windows XP. Instructions for Windows 98 and ME will vary slightly. Consult your computer technician if you are still using Windows 98 or ME. This process will allow you to see all of the folders on your computer.

1. Left click on the "Start" button
2. Left click on "My Computer"
3. Left click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the window
4. Left click on "Folder Options"
5. In the window that opens, left click on the "View" tab
6. Click the empty circle next to "Show hidden files and folders"
7. Click on "Apply" and then left click on "OK"

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After you have made all hidden folders visible on both of your computers, you will need to navigate to the folder where your Outlook Express folders are located on your old PC. On your old computer you should still have the "My Computer" window open. If you do not, please left click on the "Start" button and then left click on "My Computer" and follow the directions below:

STEP 2. Transfer Your Outlook Express Email Messages:

1. Double left click on your "C" drive
2. Double left click on the "Documents and Settings" Folder
3. Double left click on the folder that represents your account (usually your name, the word "Owner" or "Default User")
4. Double left click on the "Local Settings" folder (this folder may appear lighter than some of the others - that is ok.)
5. Double left click on the "Application Data" folder
6. Double left click on the "Identities" folder
7. If you are the only user of your computer, there is only one folder. Double click on the first folder you see.
8. Double left click on the "Microsoft" folder
9. Double left click on the "Outlook Express Folder"
10. Left click on "Edit" from the menu at the top of the window
11. Left click on "Select All"
12. Copy all of the selected files to your floppy disk or to CD
13. On your new computer, repeat steps 1-9
14. Copy the files from your floppy or CD into the "Outlook Express" folder and click "Yes to All" when you are asked to overwrite the files

Congratulations! You have now transferred all of your Outlook Express (OE) email messages from your old computer to your new computer! Next you need to transfer your account settings so that when you open Outlook Express (OE) on your new computer you will be able to Send and receive email.

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