OE6 Backup Outlook Express, Restore to another computer

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Introduction

I found this took a lot of tries to get it right, but eventually took the copy of the .DBX files for Outlook Express and copied them to a CD-R. Since the Win98 system had them in the Windows directory that is where they get restored to on Win2000 instead of in the WINNT directory. So the only file in the C:\Windows directories are my Outlook Express data. Things that must be copied:

The .DBX files for Outlook Express, including the folders.dbx file which is the directory to the other .dbx files.
The Registry Entries for Outlook Express. Tom Koch (site: toasterdam) has modified a registry backup from Moon Systems to select the Outlook Express entries. It creates a fairly large file, you can lookat it by dragging the file to notepad if you are so inclined.
The Windows Address Book, from the old system. Assuming you want to copy your old system to the new system.

Use XCOPY to copy files

XCOPY is a very good utility run from the DOS (Command.exe) Window and you have it on your system. XCOPY does not turn the Read-Only bit on when you copy to a CD and this is very important; otherwise, you may have to go the properties of each file and turn it off.

Here are the files on my system that get copied. list of my DBX files -- Example">Clone Example

Since they are all in this directory the XCOPY on my new system will simply read:

   XCOPY c:\Windows\*.*  F:\windows\*.*  /s /d

instead of what might be needed on Win98 system.

 xcopy c:\windows\*.dbx f:\windows\*.dbx  /s /d
 xcopy c:\windows\cleanup.log f:\windows\*.*  /s /d
 xcopy c:\windows\folders.avx f:\windows\*.*  /s /d
 xcopy c:\windows\*.dcb f:\windows\*.wab  /s /d

Backing up the Registry concerned with Outlook Express

Please review Tom Koch's web pages Backup & Restore concerning Outlook Express. You will need to download and unzip his backup registry file. Be forwarned that the file created with the .reg file extension will automatically update the Registry when the file is opened. You download his zip file, run the .vba program on the old system, copy the .reg file to the new system and together with your .dbx files and .wab you will have copied everything over except for newsgroup passwords, and your signature lines.

Essential this web page is an extension of Outlook Express 5.0, Newsgroups.

This page was introduced on April 15, 2002.

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OE6 Backup Outlook Express, Restore to another computer

Introduction

Use XCOPY to copy files

Backing up the Registry concerned with Outlook Express

Related