Need more info on the System Restore i.e. OE

[Guest]

Okay, I made the mistake of leaving my computer on around my 3 year old
granddaughter. Here is what happened. My OE has been restored to the state
it was prior to the migration of files from my old computer. There was a box
to click on the main screen that did this reversal.

Now, my problem is that I have not done backups to my files - I know I was
bad so don't go there.

What I want to know is whether this System Restore function on my XP system
can go back to yesterday's configuration - and it could be the whole system
without any issues - to bring those files back just in OE or as I said in the
whole computer configuration would be fine.

I have not even pushed the start lever because I don't know what to expect
next. Will I have choices or does it just go to it? My only prior
experience with restoring has been on Windows 98 and it with with a disk
provided so I am just hoping this will save me lots of time and have
something to work with since I didn't do anything!

Some good news would be welcome but just give it to me like it is. )

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Okay, I made the mistake of leaving my computer on around my 3 year
old granddaughter. Here is what happened. My OE has been restored
to the state it was prior to the migration of files from my old
computer. There was a box to click on the main screen that did
this reversal.

Now, my problem is that I have not done backups to my files - I
know I was bad so don't go there.

What I want to know is whether this System Restore function on my
XP system can go back to yesterday's configuration - and it could
be the whole system without any issues - to bring those files back
just in OE or as I said in the whole computer configuration would
be fine.

I have not even pushed the start lever because I don't know what to
expect next. Will I have choices or does it just go to it? My
only prior experience with restoring has been on Windows 98 and it
with with a disk provided so I am just hoping this will save me
lots of time and have something to work with since I didn't do
anything!

Some good news would be welcome but just give it to me like it is.
)

System Restore was protecting your System files - those needed for the
system to run properly. Outlook Express application files *are* included.
Your emails are *not* included.

Did you use F.A.S.T. to transfer the files?
You could use F.A.S.T. to transfer just the OE files again.. If you still
have the exported version.

 

[Guest]

Shenan,

That was a mixed bag of news. I do have the migration software and the old
computer is networked now to my new system so I can still transfer things
again. Will this duplicate the other files that are also transfered? I used
CA's DNA migrator.

So, the you say the emails are gone but what about the folders? Are those
in the system restore function? I can do without the emails if those are
salvaged.

Carol

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi Carol,

Okay, I made the mistake of leaving my computer on around my 3 year
old granddaughter. Here is what happened. My OE has been restored
to the state it was prior to the migration of files from my old
computer. There was a box to click on the main screen that did this
reversal.

What exactly was it that performed the reversal?
Was it System Restore?
What files are missing?

Now, my problem is that I have not done backups to my files - I know
I was bad so don't go there.

What I want to know is whether this System Restore function on my XP
system can go back to yesterday's configuration - and it could be the
whole system without any issues - to bring those files back just in
OE or as I said in the whole computer configuration would be fine.

Here is a list of files and folders System Restore monitors:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/filesfolders.html

I have not even pushed the start lever because I don't know what to
expect next. Will I have choices or does it just go to it? My only
prior experience with restoring has been on Windows 98 and it with
with a disk provided so I am just hoping this will save me lots of
time and have something to work with since I didn't do anything!

All About System Restore in WinXP
http://bertk.mvps.org

 

[Guest]

The only thing I can figure out is my granddaughter clicked on the Undo box
for the migration of my files. It was on my desktop and she could have
pushed the mouse and clicked. She just said she "worked on the 'puter" so
who knows exactly. I do have my system settings on I.E. and System so I
wonder.

The bottom line is that all I had in OE was the welcome message! Absolutely
none of my folders or email. The email is the least of my concern if the
information in the folders is something that would be restored my life would
be more peaceful!.

Oh, one thing that has bothered me somewhat is the fact that I had a
different wallpaper on my screen, too, and I had not put it there. I do have
a good firewall and use it with little adjustment by me. I had wondered if I
had been hacked but am not sure just how I could tell that. Then the little
one said she had been on the 'puter and I just knew something was done from
the pecking.

It wasn't a restoration - or not that I can tell. Like I said OE is all
that I see was affected.

I do not know the file type the folders are in so I cannot tell from the
list of files the restoration would resolve if these are included.

Finally, I am so ignorant of this new function. Is there something I would
need to have done to have a restore point or is that truly a wonderful new
automated thing on XP! I am in the learning mode having gone from really old
'98 to Media Center XP! I love it but wow how things have changed and with a
brain injury to work around that involves learning and memory issues, it will
probably take me another 9 years to learn this and now my Computer Setup
person said there is another new one on the way! Wouldn't you know it! )

 

[Ron Sommer]

Restore is not going to bring back your files.
How did you migrate your files?
Files and Transfer Settings wizard?

Have you checked the Recycle Bin?

 

[Guest]

Well, I did find lots in the Recycle Bin from my favorites and other system
folders that had been deleted but not the folders from OE. I really think
now this undo box from my CA DNA migration program is what she hit but where
would the folders from OE have gone???? If the undo causes the new stuff to
be deleted and some of the stuff was in Recycle where or what happened to
those other folders from OE? Any idea?

If that can't be figured out and reversed like I did with the Recycle bin
then my next best thing is to replace the Identities in the new OE with those
that I have in my migration backup folder.

However, I cannot find where the Identities are in the XP program. I knew
in '98 and would do this every year when I did a complete system restore and
wiped off all stuff to scratch then spent days trying to install the updates
and stuff all over again - this was in the days of slow dial-up service. Now
I have DSL, just came in the past month to my area! WOW! What a huge
difference!

Please, if you can direct me to information on the Identity location or help
me with directions I would sure appreciate it!

Carol

 

[PA Bear]

(Please don't Edit subject lines here, Carol. Thanks.)

1. I very much doubt System Restore will return your OE data but using
System Restore won't delete the data, if it exists.

...I cannot find where the Identities are in the XP program.

2. Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store folder will reveal the location of
your current identity's store
(http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#storemain). Write it down.

In WindowsXP, 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. With "Show
Hidden Files and Folders" enabled:

In Windows Explorer, search (WinKey+F) for .DBX files (*.dbx). Any found
which are /not/ located in your current store (see above) will most likely
be the ones which have gone missing. (I very much doubt any will be found:
They will not be found in Recycle Bin.)

If, by chance, your old data is found, you can import the data into your
current OE identity. See:

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)
--
OE6-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress
OE General newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org

 

[Michael Stevens]

Carol,
Don't change the subject line, it breaks the thread in some newsreaders.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Guest]

Okay, I have made this wonderful discovery that the files now in the backup
area are those that were removed yesterday! I had not realized until I found
folders that were not there when my first migration was done into the new
computer! This is great news.

I have found the Identity folder that was created today when I opened OE.
Now I want to know if I can drag and drop my found identity into OE and
delete todays Identity. I have tried to drag it to my desktop to test this
method but every time I open the OE again today's Identity is there again and
still the one OE is pointing to. I tried to change the location in
maintenance but as long as today's identity is in the folder it comes first
and the other comes second and OE still points to the first. I am looking at
OE6 files now so if I import these into OE now will it also create the
folders? They appear to be .dbx extensions, too. Right?

Then I want to know if my rules and addresses will also be there. I feel
like I am making progress now but need help with the final issues of getting
them back where they need to be!

I am really breathing a sigh of relief but cannot quite exhale until I get
this all done and my stuff is back. I will sure shut the computer off from
now on and keep the room closed off while she is here! I really couldn't
blame her for being interested since we had played some Dora games on the
computer so the temptation was just too great for this 3 year old to pass up.


We are teaching kids early on about computers, that is for sure! I would be
lost and nine years ago was my first experience with the Internet as a brain
injury rehabilitation tool. I wish it had been fully successful but it
certainly has helped.

Anyway, please, will I need to import these into the new Identity or can I
just delete that folder for today. Will it go away and not appear again if I
do this and don't empty the recycle bin?

I will refrain from changing the subject line now that I know this can cause
problems. I just didn't know. I haven't had the opportunity to learn a
great support tool like this in the past! So, this is really something new
for me.

 

[Ron Sommer]

In OE, Tools, Options, Maintenance tab, Store Folder button, right click on
the
location, Select All, right click, Copy.
Start, Run, right click, Paste,...
XP hides OE files. You need to show hidden and system files under Tools,
Folder Options, View in Windows Explorer.

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi Carol,

Please don't mess with any folder until Robear returns to assist.

 

[Guest]

That didn't do it. I read in one message to wait for Robear returned to try
stuff so I hope I haven't done too much One thing I did but didn't touch is
look at the Registry file. I compared the two identities and the one created
new yesterday has a directory line which is not in the file I am trying to
get in use.

Again, I wonder here if this registry file for the new identity should be
deleted or if that will go away automatically when we get the right identity
in use.

As far as changing the spot my OE is looking at for the identity this is
where I have it pointing:

C:\Backup\Windows\Application
Data\Identities\{F1180D40-8D25-11D6-BD2E-BB153409192D}

This is the identity I want to use. I had created a duplicate file on my
desktop and dragged it into the regular location and got this in OE. It
refused to look at my second identity and yet I show on the file menu 2 main
identities. I tried to logoff and use a different main but no use. Should I
rename one so I can tell it changes?
Here is the former way it looked:

C:\Documents and Settings\Carol Braman\Application
Data\Identities\{F1180D40-8D25-11D6-BD2E-BB153409192D}

But you would not believe what I have now discovered. I have yet another
identity that has decided to activate! This is after I rebooted after doing
the entry into the start, run area! I am really getting unwanted identities
and just want to know if I can delete them.

Right now, when I did the original identity I find it has changed. Before I
had two identities, one right after another. I am not sure I had clicked
that "ok" button, though, and did this time.

So, bottom line is it looks like it is pointing where it should but it has
not loaded any of the folders or information as it should. This is why I
wonder if this registry has anything to do with it. Something just isn't
pointing right or is missing something that will then allow my folders and
files to load!

Carol

 

[Guest]

I forgot to mention that I am also administrator and the file I don't want to
use is in that area. I don't know if this will have anything to do with it
but thought I better mention it.

Carol

 

[Ron Sommer]

Let's not do anything else until we get more information.
Do not mess with the Registry.
Do not delete any Identities.

You mention CA DNA migration program.
I have never heard of that program.
The program manages and preserves user settings, preferences and data.
CA DNA must have created the new Identity.

Please explain how the program works.
Is this how the program works?
http://www3.ca.com/solutions/Collateral.aspx?CID=58997&ID=4920

 

[Guest]

Yes. That is the CA program that was used but it simply does one thing, it
transferred my settings and Favorites, Identity contents into OE when I
transferred to the new computer. It then creates an undo box and puts it on
the desktop. This would take the computer back to what it was before the
transfer of files and settings. This is why there were two identities. One
is the one I have used after the transfer and I now find in my backup file.
It replaced the one that was there.

Now, today I have just the two identities so maybe I was looking in the
wrong place. I was tired and getting at capacity for what I can process at a
time so it may be I have created some extra concern that can now be
eliminated.

We are dealing with two identities. I have the admin rights on this
computer as well as a folder with my name in the Documents and Settings area.
Just wanted to make that point in case it has anything to do with anything.

Now, I have not touched or run the CA program so it would not be affecting
anything now. I have played with the two identities that show in the OE
File, identities area, both titles MAIN.

Let me tell you how I used to do this in Windows 98 when I would do a quick
restore on my system. I would drag my identities onto a floppy. After
wiping out all the data and taking my computer back to the purchase state I
would open OE. Then I would go through Windows Explorer and locate the
Indentity that was created when OE was opened. I would simply delete it then
drag the identity from my floppy and drop it into the slot where the old
identity was. I did this a couple of times a year until this last year and a
half when my files got too big for a floppy that I had. I was going to buy a
new system so I put off doing it again. I will do it to the old computer as
soon as I am sure I don't need anything from it again. It will be the one
for the grandkid's games.

So, I hope this will clear up any questions. I would have done this process
the same way but I am not sure enough how XP works so I didn't. I came here
instead.

Do I need to import these files rather than replace the identity or can I
simply do what I have done in before in Windows '98?

If you import .dbx files will that also create the folders in my sidebar
again? I am not familiar with the extensions and whether the folders have a
different extension than the email and such. Does all in the OE have the
..dbx extension? I know the adresses, rules, etc. are different I mean the
folders created, email and I guess that would be it.

Please, keep it simple or I will get confused again. Do I need to wait for
Robear's help? I saw one person said to wait.

Carol

 

[Ron Sommer]

Rename one of the Identities.
File, Manage Identities, Properties button, .....

Replacing the dbx files with dbx files from another Identity should work.

Importing the dbx files will also create the folder list.

I am not sure what you are still needing to do?
--
Ron Sommer

Yes. That is the CA program that was used but it simply does one thing, it
transferred my settings and Favorites, Identity contents into OE when I
transferred to the new computer. It then creates an undo box and puts it
on
the desktop. This would take the computer back to what it was before the
transfer of files and settings. This is why there were two identities.
One
is the one I have used after the transfer and I now find in my backup
file.
It replaced the one that was there.

Now, today I have just the two identities so maybe I was looking in the
wrong place. I was tired and getting at capacity for what I can process
at a
time so it may be I have created some extra concern that can now be
eliminated.

We are dealing with two identities. I have the admin rights on this
computer as well as a folder with my name in the Documents and Settings
area.
Just wanted to make that point in case it has anything to do with
anything.

Now, I have not touched or run the CA program so it would not be affecting
anything now. I have played with the two identities that show in the OE
File, identities area, both titles MAIN.

Let me tell you how I used to do this in Windows 98 when I would do a
quick
restore on my system. I would drag my identities onto a floppy. After
wiping out all the data and taking my computer back to the purchase state
I
would open OE. Then I would go through Windows Explorer and locate the
Identity that was created when OE was opened. I would simply delete it
then
drag the identity from my floppy and drop it into the slot where the old
identity was. I did this a couple of times a year until this last year
and a
half when my files got too big for a floppy that I had. I was going to
buy a
new system so I put off doing it again. I will do it to the old computer
as
soon as I am sure I don't need anything from it again. It will be the one
for the grandkid's games.

So, I hope this will clear up any questions. I would have done this
process
the same way but I am not sure enough how XP works so I didn't. I came
here
instead.

Do I need to import these files rather than replace the identity or can I
simply do what I have done in before in Windows '98?

If you import .dbx files will that also create the folders in my sidebar
again? I am not familiar with the extensions and whether the folders have
a
different extension than the email and such. Does all in the OE have the
.dbx extension? I know the adresses, rules, etc. are different I mean the
folders created, email and I guess that would be it.

Please, keep it simple or I will get confused again. Do I need to wait
for
Robear's help? I saw one person said to wait.

Carol

snipped

 

[Guest]

Ron, I just imported the file contents from the other identity and now have
my folders! Yeah.

That part is done. What I want to know is how to get my rules, blocked
senders. I can get along fine with the address book that I have now but sure
would like to have those two back!

How do I do that?

Carol

 

[PA Bear]

As Carol found out, one doesn't copy/paste DBX files into an Identity, one
/imports/ them.

 

[PA Bear]

From your later posts, it sounds like you learned that you had to import the
data backup into your current identity.

Then I want to know if my rules and addresses will also be there.

I doubt it but you never know. How did it turn out? Are all of your
contacts in your Address Book? Did your Rules survive (Tools > Message
Rules)?