exporting messages from windows live

Question

exporting messages from Windows live to be used in Outlook. process stops before completion of exporting selected files. Even tried working offline, suspending live from checking for new mails and placing computer on airplane mode during the process.

thanks for any assistance.

Answer 1

Hi Ken Overweg,

This typically happens if the export encounters a corrupted message or folder in Windows Live Mail, or if the Outlook/MAPI connection it relies on isn’t working correctly.

Quick questions (so I can target the fix):

• When it stops, what is the exact last line of the error message? (Please paste it in quotes.)
• Does the export work if you try one small folder instead of All folders?

Try these in order:

1. Export in small batches (one folder at a time). If one folder fails, it usually contains the problematic item, split it into smaller chunks to isolate it.
2. In Outlook, create a new profile (Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add), open Outlook once, close it, then retry the export.
3. Test Outlook Safe Mode: Win + R > Type Outlook.exe /safe (this helps rule out add‑ins).

Advanced (only if it still fails):

• Perform a repair or reinstall of Windows Live Mail / Windows Essentials and try the export again (make sure to back up your Live Mail message store first).
• I’d avoid manual registry cleanup unless you’re comfortable and have a restore point or backup. Removing the wrong key can cause larger issues.

If you can share the exact error line, I can suggest the most appropriate next step for that specific message.

Please let me know if this proves useful to you, or if you would like further assistance.

I'm looking forward to your reply.

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Answer 2

Windows Mail/Windows Live Mail data that is stored locally can be exported as .eml message files and then opened or imported in Outlook, but only the messages that are fully stored on the device will export successfully.

To export local messages from Windows Mail (or the successor Mail and Calendar app) and then use them in Outlook:

1. Open Windows PowerShell from Search on the taskbar.
2. Paste and run this script:

      if (-not $env:USERPROFILE) {
         $env:USERPROFILE = "C:\Users\$env:USERNAME" }
      if (-not $env:LOCALAPPDATA) { $env:LOCALAPPDATA = "$env:USERPROFILE\AppData\Local" }
      $directoryPath = "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps\_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Migration"
      $handoffFilePath = Join-Path -Path $directoryPath -ChildPath "handoff.txt" 
      New-Item -ItemType File -Path $handoffFilePath -Force | Out-Null 
      Start-Process "outlookmail:"
   

3. When the Mail and Calendar app opens and shows the “Windows Mail and Calendar are no longer supported” dialog, choose Export Data.
4. File Explorer opens to a new folder containing:
   • One or more folders of .eml files (local messages).
   • An .ics file (local calendar events).

Only messages that are fully local will export; any message that still requires online access (for example, not fully downloaded) will not be included. Ensuring all needed messages are fully downloaded in the old client before exporting helps avoid the export stopping early due to non-local content.

The resulting .eml files can then be opened in Outlook or another email client that supports .eml. For calendar data, the .ics file can be imported into Outlook’s calendar using Add calendar → Upload from file and selecting the exported .ics file.

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References:

• Export emails and contacts from Windows Mail or People and import to new Outlook