How to Move the Outlook Express Folder to My Documents

By default, the Outlook Express message store---the files containing all of your Outlook Express folders and saved messages---is saved in the Application Data folder on your computer. While this type of configuration is typical, it might not be the ideal situation if you would like to quickly and regularly back up your Outlook Express messages. A superior solution would be to move the message store to the My Documents folder, where you can be sure that your Outlook Express messages will be saved whenever you back your documents up.

Instructions

1. Click "Tools" in the Outlook Express window, then click "Options."

2. Click the "Maintenance" tab, then click the "Store Folder" button.

3. Click the "Change" button.

4. Use the folder tree to navigate to the My Documents folder. In Windows XP, the folder's location is C:\Documents and Settings\(user name)\My Documents. Click "OK."

5. Click "OK" to close each open window, then close Outlook Express. When Outlook Express is re-opened, the message store will be in the My Documents folder.

References

• Inside Outlook Express: The OE Store Folder