How to Restore Outlook Express Files

If you have saved a backup of your Outlook Express email message files, you can restore them by using a simple procedure. These files are automatically saved in a folder in the "Documents and Settings" folder, so if you've backed up the entire contents of that folder and all its subfolders, you've also backed up your email. You can also restore your address book if you have previously backed it up as either a .wab or .csv file.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Restore Outlook Express Email Message Files from a Backup

1. Click "Start" and "Search." Under "All or part of the file name," type "*dbx." If your email message backup is on removable media such as a CD or DVD, insert the disk in your computer and and select your CD or DVD drive from the "Look in" drop-down menu. If they have been backed up on your system hard drive or on an auxiliary or external hard drive, select "Local Hard Drives" from the list.

2. Select "More advanced options." Place a check beside "Search hidden files and folders" and "Search subfolders." Click "Search."

3. Browse the search results window to see the location of the email backup files. Right-click one of the files in the results window and select "Properties." Beside "Location," click and drag the mouse over the path to select it, then right-click it and select "Copy."

4. Open Outlook Express. Click "File," "Import" and "Messages." Select the version of Outlook Express in which the messages were saved. Click "Next."

5. Select "Import mail from an OE store directory." Paste the location you copied previously into the field provided in the "Outlook Express Import" window. Click "Next." Choose which folders you would like to restore. Use "All folders" to restore the entire email backup. Choose "Selected folders" to restore only the email backup folders you specify.

Restore Outlook Express Address Book Files

6. Open Outlook Express. If you have previously exported your address book as a .csv file, click "File," "Import" and "Other Address Book." Click "Text file (Comma Separated Values)." Click "Import." If you backed up a .wab address book file, select "Address Book" instead.

7. Under "Choose a file to import," click "Browse." Navigate to the address book backup file on your hard drive or removable media and select "Open."

8. Click "Next." Select the fields you wish to import and select "Finish."

Tips & Warnings

• If you have difficulty restoring an Outlook Express backup file, consult the Microsoft Help and Support website.

References

• How to back up and to restore Outlook Express data

Resources

• Microsoft Help and Support