Transferring Outlook Express to another computer

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OnceBitten

545 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#16157 27-Sep-2007 13:31

Hello,

We have a new computer that we have set up for broadband...etc... and we still have the old 'dial up' computer'.
I am transferring all our folders...etc... from the old computer to the new one - I am simply just copying the folders / files on to a blank disc, then putting the disc into the new computer to put the files / folders on.

However, we have Outlook Express on the old computer, and that has our address book, all our folders and saved e-mails...etc... We would like to transfer this to the new computer - without losing any of the data / information

I have tried the same process as above and copied the entire OE folder onto the new computer, but it won't open or anything....

Does anyone have any suggestions??

By the way the old computer has Windows XP Home and the new computer has Windows Vista home basic? (I think) If this helps...

cheers

Nick

patrickstarr

388 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#90193 8-Oct-2007 22:31

Can you click file export and then see if that works?

ictgeeknz

255 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#90200 9-Oct-2007 01:55

Here's a nice step-by-step guide, for ya!
http://www.vista4beginners.com/Migrate-from-Outlook-Express-to-Windows-Mail

OnceBitten

545 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#90371 9-Oct-2007 22:36

Thanks for that - very easy to follow and it worked right up to the importing messages part

the problem is that the files in outlook express are on my old PC, and windows mail is on the new PC.
I have copied all the files and have them on the new PC but when I try to import them it says there are no files to be found.... they are .dbx files if that means anything..

I have the address book ok and can send / receive e-mails, but can't seem to get the folders from outlook express to import into windows mail....

If you have any other suggestions they would be greatly appreciated!!

many thanks

Nick

ictgeeknz

255 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#90388 10-Oct-2007 06:39

OnceBitten:
I have copied all the files and have them on the new PC but when I try to import them it says there are no files to be found.... they are .dbx files if that means anything..

.dbx is correct
Were you using Outlook Express 6?

If you were using Outlook Express 5.x, it is possible that these files may have become damaged, see Microsoft KB296953,

OnceBitten

545 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#90421 10-Oct-2007 11:02

Hi - Thanks for that.

I am unsure what version of Outlook Express I have - will look when I am at home tonight

After about 2 hours of trying last night, I finally found out that the .dbx files I am trying to import into windows mail are 'read only' and for some reason it is not letting me change their 'read only' status. If these files were not 'read only' I probably wouldn't have a problem.... so the files indeed may be corrupt

if anyone has any suggestions as to how I can change these files so they are not 'read only' that would be much appreciated

many thanks

Nick

patrickstarr

388 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#90444 10-Oct-2007 12:17

If you are able to view them on that PC try copying and pasting

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OnceBitten

545 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#90448 10-Oct-2007 12:38

Thanks - I will try copying them and pasting them to a different folder and see if that works.

cheers

Nick

drajk

204 posts

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#90454 10-Oct-2007 12:58

Its likely that the files are set to read-only if you have written them to a CD or DVD for transfer.
Depending upon their size it might be better to transfer via memory stick if you have one that is large enough.
Alternatively you will need to change them to Read/write following transfer.

OnceBitten

545 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#90560 10-Oct-2007 22:37

Thanks for that help.

It is Outlook Express 6 on the old computer

I managed to copy and paste the folders on the Vista computer so they are no longer 'read only'

but the following message still appears when I try to import them.
"No messages could be found in this folder or another applcation is running that has the the required files open.
Please select another folder or try closing aplications that may have files open".

thanks again

Nick

pwaddles

113 posts

Master Geek

#91503 18-Oct-2007 13:10

Ive had to do this with a few clients machines.

Make sure you've got the file 'folders.dbx' amongst your .dbx files, this is the one that the import goes looking for in the folder.

Also you only want to single click the folder you have the dbx files in and then click "Select Folder", you dont want to actually be in the folder.

Let me know if any of this helps, if not I can send you some screen shots of the process. :D

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OnceBitten

545 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#91529 18-Oct-2007 14:45

Hi - thanks for that.

I have managed to fix the problem.
We bought one of those memory sticks? (2 gig drive), and put that in the old computer and exported the files to that, then I put the memory stick in the new computer, opened up windows mail and then clicked import..... and it worked a treat.
I have since done the same with my internet explorer favourites...

it's a shame it took me 4 weeks to finally figure it out though.....

many thanks anyway :-)