How to Backup and Restore your Outlook Express Data

Microsoft Outlook Express, the default email client for Windows versions prior to Vista, is designed to make it easier to manage your email account. In particular, it is easy to backup and restore Outlook Express email messages and other data in the event that it is accidentally erased. These email backup files can later be restored entirely or selectively. Read on to learn how to backup and restore your email data on Microsoft Outlook 5 or later.

How to Backup and Restore Outlook Express Data

1) Launch Microsoft Outlook Express. Click the Tools button located at the top of the window. Select Options from the Tools menu that opens.
2) Click on the Maintenance tab from the Options menu. Select the Store Folder. Next, you’ll select the folder location and then use the [Ctrl + C] keys to copy the folder’s pathname.
3) Click on the Cancel button twice to close out of the dialog box.
4) Click on the Start button in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. Click Run in the Start menu that opens.
5) Click in the text field and then hit the [Ctrl + V] keys on your keyboard. This will paste the previously copied folder location.
6) Click OK, which will display the contents of the folder location. At the top of the screen, click on the Edit button, and then click Select All. Next, click on Edit again and then select Copy. Now close the window.
7) Create a folder on your hard drive, at a location of your choosing, which will contain your backed up data. Double-click on the folder and then click on the Edit button. Click Paste.

This will copy all of your Outlook Express messages to the new backup folder. You are done!

How to Restore Outlook Express Data

1) Open Outlook Express. Click on File and then select Import from the dropdown menu.
2) Select Messages, which opens the Select Program window.
3) Check the radio button that is labeled Import mail from an OE6 store directory and then click OK.
4) Select Browse and then locate the back-up folder that you created. Click OK and then click Next.
5) Click on All Folders and then click Next to begin the process of restoring the backed up data.