How to Back Up Folders in Outlook Express

Outlook Express offers a lightweight email client to Microsoft users who wish to download POP or IMAP mail. However, in the event of a serious computer crash, mail data and email folders can be irreparably damaged or lost. Backing up your mail data and folders can be achieved in one easy process, preserving your data and enabling it to be re-imported into Outlook Express on a later date if you choose.

Instructions

1. Launch Outlook Express. Find the location of your saved folder and mail data. Pull down the Tools menu and select "Options" from the sub-menu. Select the "Maintenance" tab from the dialog box, and then click "Store Folder." Highlight the text of your personal message store directory location (such as, "C:\Documents and Settings\YourUsername\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{GlobalUserID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express").

2. Press the "Ctrl" key down and press the "C" key to copy the location to your clipboard. Click "Cancel," and exit Outlook Express.

3. Create a new back-up folder on your hard drive by right-clicking in the directory of your choice and selecting "New," and then "Folder."

4. Open your store folder. Click the "Start" button on the lower left of your screen and select the "Run" command. Press the "Ctrl" key and type a "V" to paste your store location into the command prompt and open the original data directory in Windows Explorer.

5. Open your new folder in another window. Click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop and navigate to the back-up folder you created. Copy your Outlook Express data. Click the original store folder window and select the "Edit" menu. Choose "Select All" to highlight all your store folder data. Return to the Edit menu and click "Copy."

6. Switch to the window with your new back-up folder. Press the "Ctrl" key and type a "V" to copy all your Outlook Express mail and folder data to your back-up directory.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up your Outlook Express data frequently to avoid losing emails in the event of file corruption or serious computer problems.

References

• Microsoft Support Guide to Backing Up Outlook Express Data