ARCHIVED: In Outlook Express 5 or 6 for Windows, how do I make a backup copy of my messages?

Note: The following procedure will save only the current contents of your account. To save new messages, repeat this process as needed.

To save a backup copy of your email messages to a folder on your computer in Outlook Express 5 or 6 for Windows, follow the steps below:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options... .
   
   
2. Select the Maintenance tab, and then click Store Folder... .
   
   
3. Highlight the entire folder location, and then press Ctrl-c to copy the path.
   
   
4. Click Cancel. To close the Options dialog box, click Cancel again.
   
   
5. From the desktop, click Start, and then Run... .
   
   
6. In the "Open:" box, to paste the folder location, press Ctrl-v. Click OK.

   Note: Your Inbox and subfolders should be listed in this window with names such as Inbox.dbx or imap0.iupui.edu - sent-mail.dbx. If you do not see some of the folders you've created, Outlook Express may be using IMAP. If so, you'll need to synchronize your mail folders first by using these steps:

   1. Open Outlook Express.
   2. In the left pane, highlight your mail account (e.g., imap#.iupui.edu).
   3. In the right pane, you should see a list of your folders. Select the checkbox next to All Messages for each folder you want to back up.
   4. In Outlook Express 6, click the Synchronize Account button. In Outlook Express 5, click the Synchronize now button. This may take a while, especially if you have a modem connection.
   5. To return to the list of mail folders in step 6, press the F5 key on the keyboard. The folders you've synchronized should appear.
   
   
7. In the window that appears, from the Edit menu, choose Select All.
   
   
8. Press Ctrl-c to copy the files, and then close the window.
   
   
9. Right-click anywhere on your desktop, select New, and then click Folder.
   
   
10. Type a name for your folder, such as Mail Backup , and press Enter.
    
    
11. To paste the files, open the folder and press Ctrl-v.
    
    
12. To complete the process, close the window.

Also see:

• In Outlook Express for Windows, how can I move the distribution lists in my address book to another computer?
• In Outlook Express 5 or 6 for Windows, how do I import saved messages?