How do I restore Outlook Express (only) from a full windows backup

[Guest]

I upgraded a friends computer from W2K to XP Pro via a a clean install (ie.
reformatted HD). I didn't realize that their email provider required them to
use Outlook Express with all data being downloaded to the PC.

Before reformatting the HD, I did perform a full Windows backup (with system
state) to a second hard drive. I've now reinstalled W2K on another HD and
need to restore the folders that hole their messages and addresses.

I've already restored the Outlook Express folder in Program Files. I had
hoped I'd be able to export the necessary data, but that is not the case.
When I open Outlook Express I'm put directly into the wizard to creat an
internet connection.

Which other folders in the windows backup (ie. start, accessories, system
tools, backup) do I need to restore so that I can xport the address book and
message file to then import into the Outlooke Express on the freshly loaded
XP system?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

I upgraded a friends computer from W2K to XP Pro via a a clean install (ie.
reformatted HD). I didn't realize that their email provider required them to
use Outlook Express with all data being downloaded to the PC.

Before reformatting the HD, I did perform a full Windows backup (with system
state) to a second hard drive. I've now reinstalled W2K on another HD and
need to restore the folders that hole their messages and addresses.

I've already restored the Outlook Express folder in Program Files. I had
hoped I'd be able to export the necessary data, but that is not the case.
When I open Outlook Express I'm put directly into the wizard to creat an
internet connection.

Which other folders in the windows backup (ie. start, accessories, system
tools, backup) do I need to restore so that I can xport the address book and
message file to then import into the Outlooke Express on the freshly loaded
XP system?

Thanks!

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q318378
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your quick response. I do not want to restore or repair the full
system, just grab the necessary files off the windows backup. (I have a
ghost image and a full backup if I had to go all the way but of course would
need another HD unless I wanted to throw away everythig I've just completed,
or of course use 25 more CDs to back this up.)

If I understand the info in the URLs you posted, they explain how to restore
the full system to its previous state. Are you saying that I have no choice
other than restoring the entire system?

I'm sure there must be just a handful of files to copy off my Win 2K backup
and into my XP system. I just don't what those are. I'm also not Outlook
Express knowledgable.

 

[Sleepless in Seattle]

Address book is a .wab file, mail folders are .dbx files. Do a search for
*.dbx and *.wab and use File/Import.

P.S. The data is stored in subfolder of the "Documents and Settings" folder.

 

[Guest]

If I were to restore the entire system I understand that I could look for the
files you've listed. Thanks - I'm further down the path....

But, I cannot find a way to search the windows backup file for files of a
specific type. I need to know the location of the file to click to it in
order to "find" it.

Do you know how to search through the backup file?

(Right now, I'm going to be "sleepless in Ohio". )

 

[Guest]

In the interest of time, I've decided to restore the old OS and used Outlook
Expresse's backup tools. I have a question about how the messages are
handled but those belong in a different posting.

Thanks for your help here. I tried restoring the the empty sub directory
but that didn't work.

 

[PA Bear]

What OE backup tools?

References:

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

Importing OE Data
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importOE5
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#importdbx

OE Freebie Backup
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

--
OE6-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress

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

Inside Outlook Express
http://www.insideoe.com