dbx files all over desktop!

[Guest]

I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing up outlook
express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive. After installed
windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop followed instructions
for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in outlook. I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming out onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my desktop. If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of them refuse
to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data to stay
put?

 

[PA Bear]

Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

 

[oops!!]

You probably changed the default location of OE mail folders to point to
your desktop.

Check this:

OLEXP: How to Change the Default Location of Mail and News Folders
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/175037

Zee

 

[PA Bear]

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location of
your identity's store (http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder Options >
View.

 

[PA Bear]

Repost:

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location
of
your identity's store (http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

I did not change anything in the registry. My CD burner was broken, and
the
Dell technician would not send a new one unless I reloaded windows first
to
see if it would solve the problem. I did not format anything first that I
am aware of. The technician talked me through it.

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must
enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options

View.

--
~PA Bear

I have windows XP pro and everything should be up to date.

:
Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

SpiritImages wrote:
I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing up
outlook express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive. After
installed windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop
followed
instructions for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx
files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in
outlook.
I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming out
onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my
desktop.
If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of them
refuse to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data to
stay
put?

 

[Guest]

It says desktop! Where should the location be? If I change the location
will I lose the old saved messages?

Repost:

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location
of
your identity's store (http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

I did not change anything in the registry. My CD burner was broken, and
the
Dell technician would not send a new one unless I reloaded windows first
to
see if it would solve the problem. I did not format anything first that I
am aware of. The technician talked me through it.

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must
enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options
View.
--
~PA Bear

SpiritImages wrote:
I have windows XP pro and everything should be up to date.

:
Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

SpiritImages wrote:
I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing up
outlook express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive. After
installed windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop
followed
instructions for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx
files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in
outlook.
I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming out
onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my
desktop.
If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of them
refuse to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data to
stay
put?

 

[PA Bear]

Don't to ANYTHING until you read:
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#movestore

You MUST create the new folder to hold the message store BEFORE you Move it!
--
~PA Bear

It says desktop! Where should the location be? If I change the location
will I lose the old saved messages?

Repost:

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

I did not change anything in the registry. My CD burner was broken, and
the
Dell technician would not send a new one unless I reloaded windows first
to
see if it would solve the problem. I did not format anything first that
I
am aware of. The technician talked me through it.

:

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the
location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must
enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options
View.
--
~PA Bear

SpiritImages wrote:
I have windows XP pro and everything should be up to date.

:
Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

SpiritImages wrote:
I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing
up
outlook express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive.
After
installed windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop
followed
instructions for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx
files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in
outlook.
I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming out
onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my
desktop.
If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of
them
refuse to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data
to
stay
put?

 

[Guest]

"preferably on a separate local drive or partition"
I am not understanding where the new folder location should be. I don't
have a separate drive or partition that I know of. I have a big C drive.

Don't to ANYTHING until you read:
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#movestore

You MUST create the new folder to hold the message store BEFORE you Move it!
--
~PA Bear

It says desktop! Where should the location be? If I change the location
will I lose the old saved messages?

Repost:

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)


SpiritImages wrote:
I did not change anything in the registry. My CD burner was broken, and
the
Dell technician would not send a new one unless I reloaded windows first
to
see if it would solve the problem. I did not format anything first that
I
am aware of. The technician talked me through it.

:

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the
location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must
enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options
View.
--
~PA Bear

SpiritImages wrote:
I have windows XP pro and everything should be up to date.

:
Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

SpiritImages wrote:
I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing
up
outlook express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive.
After
installed windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop
followed
instructions for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx
files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in
outlook.
I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming out
onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my
desktop.
If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of
them
refuse to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data
to
stay
put?

 

[PA Bear]

For simplicity's sake, open Windows Explorer to C: | Right-click on a blank
area inside the window | New | Folder | Name the folder (e.g., My OE
Identity.

Now follow the instructions at
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#movestore. When you reach the step
"Browse to your new folders", navigate to & select C:\My OE Identity <=this
folder.
--
~PA Bear

"preferably on a separate local drive or partition"
I am not understanding where the new folder location should be. I don't
have a separate drive or partition that I know of. I have a big C drive.

Don't to ANYTHING until you read:
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#movestore

You MUST create the new folder to hold the message store BEFORE you Move
it! --
~PA Bear

It says desktop! Where should the location be? If I change the
location
will I lose the old saved messages?

:
Repost:

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the
location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)


SpiritImages wrote:
I did not change anything in the registry. My CD burner was broken,
and
the
Dell technician would not send a new one unless I reloaded windows
first
to
see if it would solve the problem. I did not format anything first
that
I
am aware of. The technician talked me through it.

:

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the
location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are
by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must
enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options
View.
--
~PA Bear

SpiritImages wrote:
I have windows XP pro and everything should be up to date.

:
Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows
Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

SpiritImages wrote:
I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing
up
outlook express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive.
After
installed windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop
followed
instructions for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx
files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in
outlook.
I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming
out
onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my
desktop.
If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of
them
refuse to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data
to
stay
put?

 

[Guest]

Thank you so much!!! It worked. They are all gone from my desktop now!!!!

For simplicity's sake, open Windows Explorer to C: | Right-click on a blank
area inside the window | New | Folder | Name the folder (e.g., My OE
Identity.

Now follow the instructions at
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#movestore. When you reach the step
"Browse to your new folders", navigate to & select C:\My OE Identity <=this
folder.
--
~PA Bear

"preferably on a separate local drive or partition"
I am not understanding where the new folder location should be. I don't
have a separate drive or partition that I know of. I have a big C drive.

Don't to ANYTHING until you read:
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#movestore

You MUST create the new folder to hold the message store BEFORE you Move
it! --
~PA Bear

SpiritImages wrote:
It says desktop! Where should the location be? If I change the
location
will I lose the old saved messages?

:
Repost:

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the
location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)


SpiritImages wrote:
I did not change anything in the registry. My CD burner was broken,
and
the
Dell technician would not send a new one unless I reloaded windows
first
to
see if it would solve the problem. I did not format anything first
that
I
am aware of. The technician talked me through it.

:

I needed to reload windows...

Why? Did you do a Repair Install or did you format and reinstall?

OE Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the
location
of
your identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain).
Write it down, then post this location in your next reply.

Possibilities include:

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
[where {GUID} = a unique long series of numbers & letters]

C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\Desktop

NB: In WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are
by
default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must
enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start > Control Panel > Folder
Options
View.
--
~PA Bear

SpiritImages wrote:
I have windows XP pro and everything should be up to date.

:
Windows version? Is the machine fully up-to-date at Windows
Update?

References:

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Backup & Restore OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

OE Files & Settings
http://www.insideoe.com/files/index.htm

OE Registry Keys
http://www.insideoe.com/files/regkeys.htm

Importing OE Data (all DBX files, including Folders.dbx)
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5

Importing a single DBX file
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx (last paragraph)

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
--
OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

SpiritImages wrote:
I needed to reload windows, so I followed instructions for backing
up
outlook express. I put it in a folder on external hard drive.
After
installed windows again, I placed folders with files on desktop
followed
instructions for importing saved files for outlook express.

All the files came back, but when I received an email, all the dbx
files
came flying out and went onto the desktop. I lost everthing in
outlook.
I
tried to import again. It came back, but dbx files kept coming
out
onto
desktop. Now I have dbx files everywere...in folders and on my
desktop.
If
I delete some of them I loose things in outlook express. Some of
them
refuse to let me delete or even move them. HELP!!!
What do I do with all these files and how can I get my backup data
to
stay
put?

 

[PA Bear]

YW.

1. Now keep OE in good shape:

- Don't use Inbox or Sent Items to archive messages. Move them to local
folders created for this purpose.

- Empty Deleted Items folder daily.

- Disable Background Compacting [not available in SP2] and frequently
perform a manual compact of all OE folders while "working offline". More at
http://www.insideoe.com/files/maintain.htm

- WinXP SP2 only: Do not shut down your machine while Windows is
automatically compacting your message store.

- Your anti-virus application's email scanning feature can also cause such
corruption. Disable it. It provides no additional protection.

2a. Check in at Windows Update and make sure all critical updates are
installed.

2b. Now make certain Automatic Updates is enabled and configured per your
wishes.

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306525

How to schedule automatic updates in WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=327838

3. Now go and sin no more! <eg>

Happy New Year!
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)

Thank you so much!!! It worked. They are all gone from my desktop
now!!!!

<snip>