In addition to the manual procedure described below, you can also automate the backup process.
Back Up or Copy Mail Files in Outlook Express
To back up or copy your Outlook Express mail:
- Start by opening your Outlook Express Store Folder in Windows Explorer.
- Make Windows show hidden files if you have not yet done that.
- Select Edit | Select All from the menu in this folder.
- Or press Ctrl-A.
- Make sure all files (including Folders.dbx in particular) are highlighted.
- Select Edit | Copy from the menu to copy the files.
- Alternatively, press Ctrl-C.
- Open the folder where you want to keep the backup copies (on another hard disk, a DVD or a network drive, for example) in Windows Explorer.
- Select Edit | Paste from the menu to paste the files to your backup folder.
- Alternatively, press Ctrl-V.
Restore Mail Files in Outlook Express
That's it. You have just created a back up copy of all your messages and folders in Outlook Express. Fortunately, restoring your Outlook Express data from the backup is just as easy.

