How to Backup Messages in Outlook Express
Outlook Express, an email application for Windows-based systems, is not immune to crashes, lost emails and other issues. Your email messages are not automatically copied to a CD or other removable media. You must manually backup any messages in the "Inbox" or another folder within Outlook Express. The messages are stored in a database file located within the Outlook Express program folder. Once you backup the messages, you can move them to a removable drive or a CD.
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Instructions
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Copying the Outlook Express Message File
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1
Open Outlook Express.
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2
Click "Tools," "Options."
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3
Click on the "Maintenance" tab. Click on the "Store Folder" button next to the wording "Click Store Folder to change the location of your message store."
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4
Highlight the path under the heading "Your personal message store is located in the following folder:" with your mouse.
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5
Right click and select "Copy" from the sub-menu. Click "OK."
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6
Click "Cancel" to close the "Options" dialog box.
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7
Click "Start," "Run."
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8
Right click inside the box next to the word "Open:." Select "Paste." Click "OK." The "Outlook Express" dialog box will open.
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9
Right click on the "Inbox.dbx" file. Select "Copy."
Backing Up the "Inbox.dbx" File
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10
Click "Start," "My Computer." Double click on the removable drive on the computer --- the Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or other removable hard drive on your computer system.
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11
Insert a blank CD, if your computer system does not contain a USB or other removable hard drive. The Explorer window for the CD will open automatically.
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12
Right click in the right pane of the open Explorer window. Click "New," "Folder." Enter a name for the new folder - "Inbox Backup" or similar wording. Press the "Enter" or "Return" key on your computer keyboard.
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13
Double click the new folder to open it.
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14
Right click anywhere in the right pane of the open window. Select "Paste" to copy the "Inbox.dbx" file to the new folder. Click "X" in the upper right corner of the dialog box to close it, if using a USB or other removable hard drive.
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15
Click on the wording "Write these files to CD" in the left pane of the CD dialog box to start the "CD Writing Wizard." Click "Next" to start the CD burning process. You will be prompted when the CD is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
If using a CD, write on the disc "Outlook Express Backup" and the current date. Store the backup CD in a safe location.
If you have created additional folders to store your Outlook Express messages, those folders will also be in the "Outlook Express" dialog box. Right click on the folder name and select "Copy." Complete steps in Section II to backup those additional folders. Note --- these folders can all be stored on one CD or on a USB/removable drive in one folder. You don't need to make individual folders unless you want to.
