Backup your email local folders in Outlook Express

By Mitz

If you want to transfer your email folders which include the inbox, outbox, etc to another computer or just back them up, I will tell you the hidden path to where they are stored. They are not only stored deep in your computer, but is also classifies as a hidden folder in Windows. For example the inbox, outbox, drafts, etc are there. All the folders you created yourself are also there.
First you must un-hide your folders so you can view them.

  1. Go to the Start menu at the bottom left corner.
  2. Choose My Computer.
  3. Go to the menu at the top and choose Tools, then choose Folder options.
  4. Choose View from the tabs at the top.
  5. Scroll down the list and find the Hidden files and folders section. Choose to show hidden files and folders.
  6. Then press Apply and then OK.

Now you can backup your email folders

  1. Go to the Start menu at the bottom left corner.
  2. Choose My Computer.
  3. Double click on your main drive. Usually C: drive.
  4. Double click on Documents and Settings, then click on  your user name.
  5. Then Double Click on The local settings folder. (which is now un-hidden)
  6. Then Double Click application data, then identities, then your ID Number, then Microsoft.
  7. There it is…. The Outlook Express folder. (told you it was hidden)
  8. Now you can copy this folder to backup.

Here is the Path to this folder.

C:/documents and settings/your user name/local settings/application data/identities/{your ID number}/Microsoft/Outlook express

To restore this folder to your new computer

  1. Navigate your way to the Microsoft folder where the Outlook Express folder is.
  2. Copy your backup folder and paste it into the Microsoft folder.
  3. You will be prompted to overwrite the original Outlook Express folder. Say yes.
  4. Now when you open your Email program your folders and all your previous emails will be restored.

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

JayJay March 23, 2011 at 12:55 am

I have increased the number of emails I receive considerably and have created many files to store them in. It is becoming increasingly important to me that I do not loose these files. I can rest s little easier now, knowing that I can back up these files and save them on my portable hard drive if need be.
Thank you for the instructions, I am truly grateful.
JayJay

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