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Where do exported OE messages go?

Anonymous
2010-01-30T06:08:28+00:00

I am trying to export my Outlook Express messages and message folders so I can import them into Live Mail in Win 7. When I export them OE does not tell me where they are exported too or what kind of file to search for. The .DBX files that I find in MY MAIL will not import into Live Mail.  Where are the exports and what file extension do I look for?  Thanks.  Capt. Brigg

Capt Brigg Franklin

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-01-30T15:34:42+00:00

    Exporting from OE only sends messages to Outlook or Exchange.

    Transferring data from Outlook Express to Windows Live Mail:

    For messages:

    Copy the *ENTIRE* OE message store folder to a flash drive. (Folders.dbx must be included). Place this on the Desktop or other location on the machine using WLMail. Open WLMail and: File | Import | Messages | Microsoft Outlook Express 6 and point to where you saved it.

    OE Message Store Location:

    In OE: Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

    In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View. 

    For Addresses:

    Open the Address Book in OE and File | Export | Address Book (wab) and save it to the Desktop. Copy to a flash drive. Place this on the Desktop or other location on the machine using WLMail.

    Open the Contacts list in WLMail, (Go | Contacts on the Menu Bar), and File | Import | Windows Address Book (wab) and point to where you saved it. 

    Note: If you use a CD or DVD instead of a flash drive, after placing on the new machine you must remove the Read Only attribute in Properties before you import.

    Bruce Hagen MS-MVP [Mail]

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-01-31T01:03:04+00:00

    You're welcome. When you File | Export | Messages, you select WLMail or Exchange and then Browse to where you want them. But again, it's not made for transferring messages.

    Glad you got it worked out OK.

    Bruce Hagen MS-MVP [Mail]

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-01-31T00:56:15+00:00

    Thanks, the process worked well.

    I'm still curious where the files go when you export your messages. 

    Seems strange the export windows don't let you select a destination or at least tell you where to find them. 

    It's also strange that you don't actually use the exported files. Oh Well, just one more of life's mysteries.

    Capt. Brigg

    Capt Brigg Franklin

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