How to Backup Windows Mail Folders

Back up Windows Mail folders from the "Store Location."

Microsoft discontinued Outlook Express with its release of Windows Vista, replacing it with Windows Mail. Windows Mail functions in the same manner as its predecessor, so you should not have much to learn if you're coming from an Outlook Express background. If you're migrating from one computer to another, Windows Mail has a feature that can help you with backing up your messages, address book and folders and can do it seamlessly.

Things You'll Need

• USB jump drive

Instructions

1. Insert a USB drive in the computer.

2. Open Windows Mail.

3. Go to "Tools" and click "Options."

4. Click the "Advanced" tab.

5. Click the "Maintenance..." button.

6. Click the "Store Folder..." button. The "Store Location" box opens; in the box you should see the path on your computer where Windows Mail stores your email.

7. Drag your cursor over the file path to select, press "Ctrl + C" on your keyboard to copy the file path, then click "OK."

8. Close Windows Mail.

9. Open the "Start" menu. Click "Run."

10. Position your cursor in the Run box and press "Ctrl + V" to paste the file path in the box, then click "OK." The Windows Mail folder opens.

11. Copy all the files within the Windows Mail folder and save them to your USB drive.

References

• How-To Geek, Backup Windows Mail Messages and Contacts in Vista

Resources

• WIndows: Working With Windows Mail