The files are in a database format, that's why the contents look the way
they do. Outlook Express manages the database and displays the contents in
readable format. Best not to alter the .dbx files in case you make the files
unreadable in OE.
"JWBH" <blue.star777@REMOOOOVEvirgin.net> wrote in message
news:ym6ii.4735$oa7.3429@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Ingeborg" <a@b.invalid> wrote in message
> news:Xns996188B9A351Dabinvalid@194.109.133.133...
>> JWBH wrote:
>>
>>> I seem to be having a lot of trouble with a 'corrupted file' in my
>>> windows XP.
>>>
>>> I thought I would reinstall the XP from my original CD and start
>>> afresh.
>>>
>>> Would anyone kindly explain to a novice the 'process' to save my
>>> Outlook Express to a external portable hard drive, please.
>>>
>>> I am not looking to necessarily return it back again to my 'cleaned
>>> out' PC, but would like to be able to refer to any previous
>>> correspondance and to be able to find email addresses if necessary.
>>
>> In OE, you can find the path of your mailbox(es) via Tools->Options->
>> Maintenance->Store folder.
>> When you look in this folder you will find a number of .dbx files. These
>> contain your email. Before copieing, close IE.
>>
>> You can import these in your new installation using
>> File->Import->Messages.
>
>
> Many thanks. After finding file location in Store Folder as you advised, I
> then went to: 'Start' > Search> typed in that file location and found five
> DBX came up in the Search window.
>
> When I opened them in Word to have a look at them, they seem very
> 'Scruffy' though. (i.e. not in the normal neat order).
>
> Anyway to copy them do I have to open them in a program like Word? Or can
> I do a 'right click' in the Search box and then select copy and transfer
> them straight to the external hard drive? Thanking you for any further
> guidance.
>
>
>
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>
>