backup e-mail

Hello,
I have changed the location of my outlook express e-mail storage folder so I can just copy the necessary folder as recommended in a thread. My question is - how do we read these back-up mails. They are .dbx file give the same message that they dont know what created them. What do I open .dbx files with. I appreciate whilst I am on my computer I can just look in my inbox - but what happens if I have to reload them will they be lost to me forever?
Will I have to copy each mail from my in-box to disc or can I copy the whole folder and still have access to it. I am sure there is someway I can actually archive these e-mails but I havent a clue where to start.
Help appreciated.

 

Try this:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q270670