Importing .dbx files from backup CD to Outlook Express

Question

I am totally frustrated as to what I'm doing wrong in trying to import my Outlook Express files to a new hard drive.  I'm using a Dell 8400.  I'm following some instructions found on the internet. Here's what I've done, and the result, in italics: On file menu, point to Import, then to Messages. Done. In the 'Select an email program to import from:' box, click Microsoft Outlook Express 6, and then click next.  Done. Click 'Import mail from an OE6 Store Directory,' and then click Okay.  Done. Click 'Brouse,' and then click on the mail backup folder.  The folder, on CD, is named 'Mail Backup.' Therefore, I would think that the path would be 'E:\Mail Backup.'  I guess that it could be something like E:\mail backup.dbx.'  I've tried this and other permutations as well.  I always get the error 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.'   A similar problem occurs in trying to restore the address book: On the file menu, click 'Import,' and then click 'Other Address Book.' Done.  Click 'Text file (comma separated values),' and then click 'Import.'   Done. Click 'Brouse.' done. Locate the Mail Backup folder, click the address book 'backup.csv' file, and then click 'Open.' I would think that the path to the file would be 'E:\backup.csv.  However, when I enter that and click 'Next,' I get 'E:\backup.csv. File not found. Please verify the correct file name was given.'    Can someone please explain what i am doing wrong?  Thanks.     --  Fred

tomron · Answer

Try this.

To restore your accounts:

1.

Click Accounts on the Tools menu.

2.

Click the Import button and Browse to the previously saved IAF file.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/community/columns/oetopten.mspx

fredhep · Answer

Tomron:   Thanks for the response.  The only trouble is that I haven't a clue as to if or where an .iaf file was saved.  It was not on the CD that has the .dbx files.   Dell did the backing up.  I could call them back and have them do the importing, but I was hoping to avoid this and to learn the procedure myself.     --  Fred

tomron · Answer

I only have one more idea.   'make sure the files you try to import are not read-only'   http://email.about.com/cs/oetipstricks/qt/et110402.htm

mombodog · Answer

When you backed up OE dbx files, you needed to back up all the DBX files in the OE mail store, especially the one called Folders.dbx, without the Folders.dbx file, you will get that infamous import error and cannot import the mail messages.   OE does not use iaf.

mombodog · Answer

1. I assume you are still using XP and trying to import into OE6.   Copy them to the hard drive on the 8400, and take ownership of the dbx files, then try the import.   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421  take ownership

fredhep · Answer

Hi:   Thanks for clarifying.  All folders appear in the CD backup, including 'Folders.dbx.'  Any other ideas?     --  Fred

fredhep · Answer

Thanks to all.  I imported messages and address book successfully.  The key was copying the folders to desktop and unchecking the 'read only' box.  Tomron's link to About.com was very useful.     --  Fred

Windows General

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