[tar022]

My father is using outlook express. I want to re-install windows xp pro, how can I avoid mail loss, what shall I do to keep connection settings in outlook express?
Step-by-step guide please? Thank you.

[Prophet 1102]

Assuming you don't reformat the hard disk, his data and settings will still be there.

[xjeepster]

what mail service are you using? IE: Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc...?


usually this would consist of creating archive *.pst files

http://email.about.com/cs/outlooktips/qt/et102102.htm

try that out!

[halodutygear]

easy Microsoft gives a free program for this here is the link
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...F-5A6322F4FD01

[Marvin]

Outlook express stores all the emails in diles that end in .dbx

If you search your computer for all files ending in .dbx you will come accross
inbox.dbx
sent items.dbx
folders.dbx
etc etc.

(use the search box, make sure it is looking in system folders and type *.dbx in the search box)

So back up all the files you find that end in .dbx
Also back up any files that end in .wab
These are Windows Address Book files and contain all your dads contacts.

On the new PC, get everthing set up and launch outlook express. Cancel the wizard but let outlook express run.

Now close it and repeat the search for .dbx files.
Whn you find them, right click a file and choose "open containing folder". Then drop the backed up files in there.
This will ensure he gets his mail into the new setup.

A more automatic way to do all this is to use the "files and settings transfer wizard" which comes with windows XP. - look in accessories/system tools.