How to Import Email Files From Outlook Express on an Old Computer to Thunderbird on a New Computer

When buying a new computer, it is often useful to back up your old files, folders, and data so that the switch is not as troublesome as it could otherwise be. If you accessed email via Outlook Express on your old computer and are choosing to use Mozilla Thunderbird on the new system, then you will need to move the store folder from the old computer. This will include putting the data on a USB stick, burning it to disc, or transferring it over the network.

Instructions

Old Computer

1. Open Outlook Express. Click "Tools," then "Options."

2. Click "Maintenance" and then "Store Folder."

3. Click the path and press "Ctrl"+"C."

4. Click "Start," then "Run." Press "Ctrl"+"V" and press "Enter." Select the folder and press "Ctrl"+"C." This copies the store folder.

5. Paste this folder either onto a USB memory stick, a blank disc (using your preferred disc authoring software) or over the network onto your new computer.

New Computer

1. Open Thunderbird.

2. Click "Tools," then "Import." Click "Outlook Express." It will now browse for an existing Outlook Express installation.

3. Click "Browse" when prompted and direct the import wizard to your store folder from the backup location.

4. Click "Next" to import all the mail from Outlook Express.

References

• Microsoft: How to back up and to restore Outlook Express data
• MozillaZine: Import from Outlook Express