How to Backup Email on Windows Live

Windows Live Mail is an email program that allows you to download your email to your desktop. The program also includes an address book and calendar function. You can access multiple types of email accounts from Windows Live Mail, and you can use POP email accounts or free web-based email accounts. Once your email is downloaded, you can access it without an Internet connection. Links and other downloads will not be available until you have Internet access, however. Backing up your email is an important function that will ensure you do not lose important information if something occurs with your email program.

Instructions

1. Create a new folder on your desktop or in your "My Documents" folder. Name the folder "Mail" so you can locate it easily when you are ready to save your backup file.

2. Open Windows Live Mail and click "Tools."

3. Select "Accounts." A box with all of your email accounts will pop up.

4. Select the account you want to back up by clicking on the name of the account.

5. Click the "Export" button.

6. Click the "Browse" button and select the Mail folder you created as the destination for your backup file.

Tips & Warnings

• Your backup will have a file extension of .iaf.

• You should back up your email account weekly. If you use your Windows Live account for business purposes, you may want to back up your email more often.

References

• The Field Guide's Blog - Windows Live: How to Backup Windows Live Mail Accounts, Contacts and Messages
• Windows Live: Windows Live Mail