I've decided it's about time to format my hard drive and re-install Win98 SE (I don't think I'll bother upgrading). I've got a CD burner so that makes it a hell of a lot easier, but I'm just wondering how I back up my emails? I use Outlook Express 5.00 and I went to tools -> Options... -> Maintenance -> Store Folder and went to the folder it had set but it gives me a heap of .dbx files for the folders I have set up on Outlook. I viewed the file's with Wordpad and it looks like it stores all the emails... But I'm not positive... Do I just back up all those files and then put them in the new folder that Outlook Express sets up when I reload Windows? I honestly have no idea.
I suppose I could always copy & paste the emails but it'd take a long time... I'm lazy, so that doesn't sound all that appealing. I'd also like to be able to set the computer up as though I never re-installed.

Also, another problem: I cleaned my computer (took the case off and blew the dust out with an air compressor) and then put it back on my desk (the fan over the processor was shuddering and humming and whirring 'cause it was covered with dust... unless, of course, it just needs to be replaced). Now, though, the top of my screen is really out of whack. The toolbar of each program I open is a weird green and blue combination when it was the default dark blue before I did it. I'm wondering if I've knocked something with the air (it's pretty high pressure, but I held it a fair way from the computer). I really hope not, because I'm lost when it comes to hardware so I'd have to take it to someone.
I fiddled with the cords and made sure everything was in properly, moved the computer's speakers right away from the monitor (they've been known to interfere with it in the past) but it made no difference. Any ideas on what is going on?

If anyone can help with either of my problems I'd be grateful :)

Cheers :)
Josh

The text in that "store location" window is actually a lot longer than what is visible. If you select it with your mouse to scroll it sideways you can see the whole thing. You should back up that folder; then you can move that folder to your new setup and use the Maintenance option to select that folder. I do this on a regular basis to move my e-mail from my desktop to my laptop. Of course if you have any *really* important e-mail you should print it out or save it as a text file. :)

For the monitor, try using the degauss command (either a button by itself on your monitor, or an option somewhere in the monitor adjustment menu).

Originally posted by aussiejosh
The toolbar of each program I open is a weird green and blue combination when it was the default dark blue before I did it.

Sounds like you accidently upgraded to XP :D

Regarding the mail issue take a look at this:
http://chattanooga.net/~scochran/DBXtract.htm

I haven't used it so can't vouch for it's quality, but it sounds like it might come in handy for you.

Greg Moore

Originally posted by aussiejosh


Also, another problem: I cleaned my computer (took the case off and blew the dust out with an air compressor) and then put it back on my desk (the fan over the processor was shuddering and humming and whirring 'cause it was covered with dust... unless, of course, it just needs to be replaced). Now, though, the top of my screen is really out of whack. The toolbar of each program I open is a weird green and blue combination when it was the default dark blue before I did it. I'm wondering if I've knocked something with the air (it's pretty high pressure, but I held it a fair way from the computer). I really hope not, because I'm lost when it comes to hardware so I'd have to take it to someone.
I fiddled with the cords and made sure everything was in properly, moved the computer's speakers right away from the monitor (they've been known to interfere with it in the past) but it made no difference. Any ideas on what is going on?

If anyone can help with either of my problems I'd be grateful :)

Cheers :)
Josh

I usually just get my vacuum cleaner and suck out all the dust carefully especially over the CPU fan. Make sure to ground yourself to the computer frame before working!
Check and make sure that you didn't dislodge your video card or memory . Make sure that they are seated all the way in. Check and see that your cables are all properly connected also. That's usually what happens when you go inside - you usually end up knocking into something.

I'll try and answer everyone one by one :D

Intelligent Hosting: Thanks :) I was pretty sure that it was the right folder but I wasn't sure, thanks for the clarification. :)
One question, though, is there any problem with using a different folder to store the messages (say something like C:\My Documents\Emails\)? It'd make it a lot easier to get to.

Akashik: lol
I've just checked that site and it looks good... I think I'll download it soon and try it out. Cheers :)

web docta (and everyone else that answered the monitor question): I just looked at the toolbar and it's back to normal! :confused: I've got no idea what happened... I didn't touch anything special, I didn't reboot... Somehow it fixed itself. It's a long shot, but my little brother was mucking around in my computer chair earlier on and he smacked the back of the chair into the desk... Is it possible that it knocked something into place???
Either way, I'll make sure I print this out so if it happens again and doesn't fix itself, I've got some options.

Thanks, everyone! :)

Josh

P.S. On a side note, anyone know how many posts I need to lose the newbie status? :D

Akashik: I just tried that DBXtract.exe and it works really well! I only used it on a couple of folders but it worked without a problem. It's fast, too. I don't know how well it recovers emails because I haven't tried that part.

Josh

not a problem. Might even try it myself now someone else has gone before me :D

Greg Moore

Word of warning: If you try and make it export the email to a folder that hasn't yet been created, it doesn't create it on it's own, it just hangs. :(

Josh

Guess akashik won't try it now :D

Originally posted by aussiejosh
Word of warning: If you try and make it export the email to a folder that hasn't yet been created, it doesn't create it on it's own, it just hangs. :(

Josh

Originally posted by aussiejosh
I use Outlook Express 5.00 and I went to tools -> Options... -> Maintenance -> Store Folder and went to the folder it had set but it gives me a heap of .dbx files for the folders I have set up on Outlook. I viewed the file's with Wordpad and it looks like it stores all the emails... But I'm not positive... Do I just back up all those files and then put them in the new folder that Outlook Express sets up when I reload Windows?
I'm a abit late I think, but yes, that's what I do. Copy all dbx files to backup, then once everything is set up, copy the files back to the folder. No problems.

Edit: Once the file attibutes were set to 'read only', if this happens, be sure to uncheck this box, as it will cause OEx not to read the file and list the emails.

Thanks Chicken, I'll remember that (about the read-only attributes). :)

Josh

This is my method, and yes it does work :D

Happy backing up :D

~ Adam

Oooo, with diagrams... Mr. Fancy Schmancy Pants... OoooOooOoO ;)

*goes to work on his OutEx backup powerpoint presentation*

i just use a program called Inachis e-Backup ;)
look for it on google or downloads.com

I can't wait, Chicken! :D

Thanks everyone... Now I know what I'm doing, for once. :P

Thanks,
Josh

Originally posted by aussiejosh
(and everyone else that answered the monitor question): I just looked at the toolbar and it's back to normal! :confused: I've got no idea what happened... I didn't touch anything special, I didn't reboot... Somehow it fixed itself. It's a long shot, but my little brother was mucking around in my computer chair earlier on and he smacked the back of the chair into the desk... Is it possible that it knocked something into place???


Most likely.
The last time that happened to me, I realised my monitor wasn't connected to the connector properly.
Got me worried for a while there.


About the email question...why does it all sound so complicated?
It is simply copying the *.dbx files and transferring them to where ever.
To put them back is a little more complicated though, you have to rename the current inbox then rename the "old/wanted inbox" as inbox.

Same for all other folders

Originally posted by Chicken
Oooo, with diagrams... Mr. Fancy Schmancy Pants... OoooOooOoO ;)

*goes to work on his OutEx backup powerpoint presentation*

That one got me smiling.

That diagram is a master piece I tell you - lol