(Solved) Can't find emails!

[DanR]

I recently had to re-install Win 98 along side an existing version
so now I have "Windows.old","program.old" folders which is OK
but I can't seem to locate my emails and address book contacts,(I'm using Outlook Express 6).
I haven't deleted them so they're on the computer somewhere.
I've found a of list of DBX files named Inbox,outbox,sent items
etc through the Windows.old\Application Data\Identities\... path but cannot open them.Message appears saying "this is not
a valid win32 application".
I looked for "address book" in Start / Find but the address book
that turns up doesn't contain any of my stored addresses.
Any ideas where emails and contacts are stored in Win 98?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Dan

 

[jwbirdsong]

Have you tried (in OE) File>Import>messgaes>MSOE6>Import from message store>browse to the location of "old" folders and go for it...
More info here INSIDE OE--BACKUP

 

[lechef3]

If you still have your old O/S try going to Program Files, Outlook express, then click on wab. Maybe that will help you out.

 

[DanR]

Thanks for your replies.I've tried importing the folder which OE6 says the emails are in but when I OK it a message appears:
"No messages found in this folder or another application is running that has the required files open.
Please select another folder or try closing the application that may have files open."
I've also tried opening the WAB address book files but the
address books are empty.The "address book" folder consists of
a book icon (shortcut) and a172KB file.Should the addresses be in there?
Cheers
Dan

 

[Davey7549]

Dan
Jack gave you a link to a site that will solve your problem. You are going to have to do what is called a full clone backup of the old DBX files and registry entries per the instructions given. This is not an easy task and you will have to take your time and follow all the steps or it will not work. For your info OE stores its files in a very strange way and the registry entries found under your old version of windows will have to be transferred to your current windows in order and replace the ones created new for the files to be recognized. This process is generally done when one is moving all of OE from one system to another. The WAB (Address) file will be the easiest of all as you will find out.

Again follow the directions given for full clone and do not skip any steps.

Dave

 

[DanR]

Thanks for that.I should have taken more notice of the link in the first place.
I've printed the 'cloning' instructions so I can follow them more easily.I'll keep you posted on progress.
Dan

 

[DanR]

Techguy to the rescue again!
I followed the instructions given in the link and I can now import
my old address book + emails into OE6.
I'll hang on to the instruction booklet I made up for future reference.
Many thanks for your help!
Dan

 

[Davey7549]

Dan
Glad all is well again and glad we could help!

Take care

Dave