How do I import Outlook Express messages into Outlook 2007?

[Guest]

The MS help on this says to copy the *.dbx files to the new computer, then
point Windows Mail's Store Folders setting to it, then import from Outlook
2007.

This doesn't work, as Windows Mail uses a different file layout.

What's wierd is that the import dialog box in Outlook 2007 offers several
versions of Outlook Express, plus Windows Mail - all in the same selection.
Apparently, they're not the same and would demand different import routines
to handle the differeing types of files.

I'm stumped, short of exporting all the OE mail in comma delimited format.

Any suggestions anyone?

 

[Hal Hostetler [MVP-P/I]]

You usually have to import the .DBX files into OE on the new machine. The
import/export processes between Outlook and OE use bits and pieces of both
applications. As such, OE has to know about the messages and addresses
first. Ty restoring the .DBX files to OE on the new machine and try the
import again. For best results, use OE to export messages to Outlook, and
use Outlook to import addresses from OE.

Backing Up, Recovering and Restoring OE5/6 Files and Settings
http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx
http://insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_oe.htm#xp_oe_restore

Windows XP - FILE & SETTINGS TRANSFER WIZARD
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

OLEXP: How to Back Up and Recover Outlook Express Data
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=270670

http://insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5
How do I import OE5 and OE6 mail folders?

Hal
--
Hal Hostetler, CPBE -- (e-mail address removed)
Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP- Print /Imaging -- WA7BGX
http://www.kvoa.com -- "When News breaks, we fix it!"
KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. NBC Channel 4
Still Cadillacin' - www.badnewsbluesband.com

 

[Guest]

Hal,

Thanks for your reply, which brings up the need for an additional piece of
information. The new machine is running Vista Ultimate, so it doesn't have
OE on it - only Windows Mail, which is also unable to import the OE messages.

I've been unable to get either WM or Outlook 2007 to recognize the .dbx
files copied over from the old computer (XP Pro SP2). WM uses a different
layout and storage of its data than OE did.

Any further thoughts? I'm really at a loss here and am considering
attempting to export from OE to some universal format (like CSV) to
accomplish the mission. I want to avoid that because there will be
inevitable mismapping of fields, etc.

 

[Hal Hostetler [MVP P/I]]

Outlook requires files supplied by OE in order to open .DBX files, so it
won't be able to import anything if OE isn't present. The second OE
Backup/Restore link I provided has instructions on how to move mail from OE
..DBX files into WM. I don't know if WM has an Outlook export function or
not, however Outlook 2007 does have a WM import function. All in all, it
might be simpler to use the old machine to move the messages and addresses
from OE to Outlook, then just transfer the Outlook Data File to the new
Vista machine.

http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

Hal
--
Hal Hostetler, CPBE -- (e-mail address removed)
Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP-Print/Imaging -- WA7BGX
http://www.kvoa.com -- "When News breaks, we fix it!"
KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. NBC Channel 4
Still Cadillacin' - www.badnewsbluesband.com

 

[Guest]

Hal,

Great idea! I'll use Outlook on the old machine to import the OE data, then
move that to the new machine.

This should simplify things greatly...

 

[Hal Hostetler [MVP P/I]]

For best results, export messages with OE to Outlook and import addresses
with Outlook from OE. Once you have everything moved, these pages will help
with the Data File transfer and reconnect:

http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm
Outlook & Exchange/Windows Messaging Backup and Dual-Boot
http://www.howto-outlook.com/Howto/backupandrestore.htm
Backup and Restore
http://www.slipstick.com/config/movepst.htm
To move a Personal Folders .pst file
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010771141033.aspx
Reconnect your old Outlook data file

Hal
--
Hal Hostetler, CPBE -- (e-mail address removed)
Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP-Print/Imaging -- WA7BGX
http://www.kvoa.com -- "When News breaks, we fix it!"
KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. NBC Channel 4
Still Cadillacin' - www.badnewsbluesband.com