How do I move my Outlook Express folders to my new machine?

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Dear Leo,

I had my Outlook emails saved onto a CD-ROM and now I want to import them onto a new machine using Outlook Express. I have gone through the wizard but after I have entered the location I get a message "No messages can be found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open. Please select another folder or try closing applications that may have files open". Any suggestions as to how I can import my emails?

Thanks
Wendy

You need to copy them off of the CDROM to your hard disk first, then you should be able to import.

I have copied my OE files onto a CD, but can't seem to open them from the CD. I get a box with the message "Check the program you wish to use to open Inbox.dbx", but none of the programs listed in the box will open the files on the CD. Please help.
Thanks

Outlook Express cannot open files directly from read-only media like a CD. They must be copied to a hard disk first.

The information that Outlook Express can't import from a read-only disk like a CD-ROM should be in your top post, right after where you say to tranfer it onto an number of options -- including a CD-ROM. I ALMOST missed it in one of your responses far down the page. But after I saw that I was fine. THANK YOU.

I am trying to import OE email messages from two "old" computers to my new computer. One of the old computers is running 98SE and the other is running XP. The new one is also running XP. All three are running OE 6.

Here is what I've tried so far:

Copying files from the old XP machine to a CD. Copying the files from the CD directly into the store folder on the new XP machine. The files appear in the directory when I view it in Windows Explorer, but do not appear when I open OE.

Copying the CD files to another directory on the new machine's hdd and importing from there. I got the "no messages can be found... or another application is running" message.

Ditto using a jump drive.

I have checked the file properties - they are not read-only.
I have changed the name of the directories with copied files on the new machine to "Mail," and tried designating both the "Mail" directory and the one above it for importation. Still got the "no messages can be found" message.

I also tried renaming the folders.dbx file in the store directory on the new computer to folders.old, but that just erased all the existing messages that I WAS able to see in OE. When I changed the name back to folders.dbx, they were still gone (not good)! Now I have the 5 default folders and nothing in them. I have already set up my accounts, and have been able to receive mail, so OE appears to be working properly on the new machine.

I'm at my wit's end, and I really need these messages and folders all in one place. What am I doing wrong?? Could this be an identity issue? My identity was configured somewhat differently on each machine. However, when I tried "importing mail from an OE6 identity" instead of importing from a store directory, I got the same results - "no messages can be found..." Perhaps because the old identities were created on another computer? Help, please!

Cat,
I had the same problem. try closing express before you backup the folders. Also point the import browser directly at 'outlook express' rather than {7E79F063-C782-462F-A9A8-DA6592A013C6}.
good luck
David

Below is step by step answer for all those who get error messages importing mail folder messages :(leo forgot to mention that you need to have identical account info as old IE Outloook / Express ) (It is mentioned in step 3 below )

1. locate your OE store folder which contains the mbx files and is usually at a location like
C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{long_number-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxx}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
for Windows 9x or
C:\documents and settings\username\Application Data\Identities\{long_number-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxx}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
for Windows 2000 or XP
2. copy that folder to your new computer
3. Open Outlook express on the new PC and set up your email account in it (or it won't let you do the next step).
4. In Outlook Express Click on the File menu->Import->Messages
which will open a dialog box asking what you want to Import from - choose Outlook Express X depending on which version it is and then you can either Browse (OE4) or Import from Outlook Express Store Directory (OE5-6) - either of which you point at your copied data.
The rest is self explanatory

Hi Leo,

I have a question. My old HD has crashed and cannot boot in WinXP. However, I can copy the files from the OE folder in the old HD. There are no problem to import the mails. However, I have lost all my contact in OE. How can I to find the address from the old HD and how to import to my OE? Thanks for your kindness.

Hello William Ng

Search your HD for *.wab
and then import it by clicking Adressbook icon in OE and import adress book.

If the OS on the HD was win98.
C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book

if XP (file search will not find this)
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book\Administrator.wab (Change Administrator to your name if needed)

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