are emails lost for good?

[Sis Jennifer Von Powell]

My laptop broke. It no longer has any power to it...without spending money to
confirm, I believe the motherboard is bad and all is lost. I know I can get
an external HD to retrieve my photos & files from the computer buit what
about my Windows Mail? I had 200-300 emails on it (and no, I didn't save a
copy on the server 'cause I didn't know better). Do I understand correctly
that there is no way for me to forward them into Windows Mail on my new
computer?

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

If your old laptop can't be powered up, how do you hope to retrieve
any data from it?
You might be able to remove its hard drive and hook it up to another
computer with a special USB adapter, but this requires some
technical know-how.

 

[ianwvt]

Just remove that hard drive and put it in to a 2.5" drive caddy (USB)
to access the data from another PC. Your e-mails probably aren't lost
as long as you can get access to the old drive.
____________________
Electronic Forums - http://www.electronicspoint.com

 

[Eric]

Nothing is saved to a motherboard. If the hard drive isn't broken, your
locally saved emails are still there. If you can replace the motherboard
and get it working you don't lose anything.

 

[David B.]

Why are you asking questions and then answering them? Removing a hard drive
from a Windows based laptop and installing it in an enclosure requires
limited skill at best on almost every model.

--

Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375


If your old laptop can't be powered up, how do you hope to retrieve
any data from it?
You might be able to remove its hard drive and hook it up to another
computer with a special USB adapter, but this requires some
technical know-how.

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

Replacing the motherboard on a laptop costs about the same as buying a new laptop!

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

Yes, to people who are technically inclined this is a fairly simple procedure.
But in my many years of providing tech support I find that the average user
doesn't know a hard drive from a motherboard, nor would they know what
type of external drive enclosure to get.

 

[Eric]

Ha!
I don't know what would be better, trying to fix the old laptop (replacing
MB) or buying a new laptop and getting it access to the hard drive of the
old laptop.
Fortunately I'm not experienced in replacing parts within a laptop like that
because the only problem I've seen laptops have is batteries dying, which is
only a significant problem if you can plug in a healthy battery and the
laptop just doesn't use it and you're not able to rely on plug in power.


Replacing the motherboard on a laptop costs about the same as buying a new
laptop!

 

[Sis Jennifer Von Powell]

Fortunate for me I am not an average anything. I do believe I made reference
to knowing that I can place the hard drive in an external reader of sorts to
retrieve my files...my question was whether or not that included Windows Mail
files. Thank you to the person who answered that instead of trying to boast.

 

[Sis Jennifer Von Powell]

Eric,
a Geek told me that a motherboard problem may very well end up costing more
than a new laptop...so I now have a new laptop and need to take out the HD
from the old one and get everything from an external.
Thanks for the response

 

[Sis Jennifer Von Powell]

Thanks. That's what I wanted to know although the "probably" in your answer
is a little scary.

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

You did make a vague mention of "external HD" but I have learned in this
business not to assume too much.
When you get that laptop drive mounted in the adapter enclosure,
you'll find your mail folders here:

C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail\Local Folders\

Don't try to import directly from there. WM can't import from external drives.
Copy those mail folders first to an empty folder under your profile on the
new computer.

Note: AppData is a hidden folder, so you will need to set your folder view to
unhide hidden files.

 

[Eric]

The probably would mean if your motherboard is fried there may have been a
computer crash which may have also fried or corrupted the hard drive.
If the hard drive still works and the file is not corrupted, you should be
able to retrieve the data.

 

[Sis Jennifer Von Powell]

Gary,
That response is very much appreciated. I have not done it yet but the new
computer has been purchased and I am hoping once I take those steps I will
find my mail is safe!
Thanks

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

You're very welcome, and good luck.

God bless,
Gary VanderMolen