How to Switch Outlook Express to Windows Mail
From September 1, 2009, Microsoft stopped offering support for Outlook Express. Windows Live Mail became the default Microsoft email client. Outlook was still available as part of Office but Outlook Express, being a download with Internet Explorer, was discontinued as a program. Anyone previously using Outlook Express was guided to use Windows Live Mail instead, to access email accounts.
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Instructions
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Create a "Storage Directory" as a new folder in Windows Explorer. In Outlook Express, click "File," and "Compact All Folders." Outlook Express will compact all storage and email folders contained in the Outlook Express program.
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Open "Windows Explorer" and locate your storage folder by clicking the + sign next to the "Local Disk" then "Documents and Settings." Your user name will be in the folder. Click the + sign and select "Application Data" folder and then "Identities." Click the + sign next to the alpha numerically-titled folder (the only folder in that directory.) The "Microsoft" folder appears. Click the + sign and open the "Outlook Express" folder. Hit "Ctrl C" and copy the contents of the folder. Paste them into the storage directory you created.
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Copy your address book (.WAB) by exporting it to the storage directory. Click "Tools," "Address Book," and select "File" and "Export". You are offered a choice where to export it. Locate the storage directory you created and export it there.
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Copy the email accounts by exporting them. Click "Tools," "Options" and "Accounts." Select "Mail Accounts" and select your email account. If you have multiple accounts, repeat the process for each account. Click the "Export" button on the right and opt for the storage directory. Email accounts have .iaf file extensions.
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Download Windows Live Mail. Open it and click "File," then "Import." Click "Messages." Choose "Outlook Express" from the list. Locate the directory by browsing for your storage directory. Windows Live will import all your folders from Outlook Express.
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Click the "Go" menu. Select "Contacts." The Contacts box will open. Click "File," then "Import." Select "Windows Address Book" (.WAB) and locate the .WAB file you saved in the storage directory.
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Import your email accounts by clicking the "Tools" menu, then "Accounts." Select "Import," and then select the .iaf files to import. You will now be able to access your emails in Windows Live. Any previously existing email folders and accounts will be transferred to Windows Live and you can close Outlook Express.
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