Computer failure and retrieval

[jnc007]

I'm currently retrieving some data off of a computer of my parents that has fried (or better put frying) harddrive. I've got all the docs they want, but their email is also saved on the hard drive. Under what format is email saved? IE. xls, doc, ppl...

thanks

[glc]

What email program, what version, and what version of Windows?

[jnc007]

its a road runner account accessed through outlook v.5. Win 98.

[oddjob]

According to Outlook 6 on my comp (XP), the address of the store folder is this:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{B7CC3F3B-F7C3-44EB-B599-D1C96C709EC1}\Microsoft\Outlook Express (Look for something similar, I guess.)

and it contains *.dbx files. e.g. Inbox.dbx, Outbox.dbx, Drafts.dbx etc. Also, look for *.eml.

I recommend for future reference, keeping a copy of messages on the server which can be done by opening Outlook and clicking on, "Tools, Accounts, Mail, Properties, Advanced". I've lost documents due to system failure (my own fault) in the past, and that has saved me some grief.

HTH

[glc]

I'm not being anal - but there is a HUGE difference between Outlook and Outlook Express. If it's Express, look for the .dbx files as oddjob says. 98 will path it a LOT differently than XP. .eml files are not necessary to dig out - when you find the folder that contains inbox.dbx, just save the whole folder - then you will import them back in to the new install as OE files *from a store directory*. To save the address book, look for .wab files. Note - if they are using multiple identities, there will be a folder full of .dbx files for each identity and a separate .wab for each identity.

If it's Outlook, *everything* - mail, contacts, calendars, etc. are in a single .pst (personal folders) file.

[oddjob]

Originally posted by glc
I'm not being anal - but there is a HUGE difference between Outlook and Outlook Express. I knew that, and of course assumed jnc007 meant "Express" **smack myself on back of head**. Would it be so hard for M$ to give each app a completely different name, so as to avoid confusion? GEEZ! I tells ya!

[glc]

Heh - I don't use either one, but that's another story for other threads. :D