Looking for my Message Store

There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio button
to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of your current
message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the search) and import
them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that resides
in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files
and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or in
Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message store is
in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any place on
your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then, open the Address
Book in the new identity and File | Import and point to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the default
identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well and
then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a very
light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been able
to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading and will try
to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new 'Microsoft'
folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder and
move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of the
store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd suggest
you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and then
click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in making be
steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files
and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or
in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message store
is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any place
on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then, open the
Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point to where you
saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well and
then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks, Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a very
light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been
able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading and
will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new 'Microsoft'
folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder and
move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of the
store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd suggest
you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and
then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new folder in
the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft folder I created a
new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty GUID
folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express folders. So
I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders and moving the
Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown in the
at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook Express"
folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look in the
new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The main
purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message store into
its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the whole folder into
my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in making
be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon |
View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message store
is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any place
on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then, open the
Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point to where you
saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well and
then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a very
light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been
able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading and
will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new 'Microsoft'
folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder and
move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of
the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd suggest
you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and
then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx files is
currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the messages as
per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new identity, the path in
Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder should show you where the
message store is located in the new identity, and most likely, it will be in
Documents & Settings...........etc.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new folder in
the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft folder I created a
new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty GUID
folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express folders.
So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders and moving
the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown in
the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook Express"
folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look in
the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The main
purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message store into
its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the whole folder into
my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in making
be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon |
View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any place
on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then, open the
Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point to where
you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well and
then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a very
light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been
able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading and
will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new 'Microsoft'
folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder and
move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of
the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at
this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and
then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx files
is currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the messages as
per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new identity, the path in
Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder should show you where the
message store is located in the new identity, and most likely, it will be
in Documents & Settings...........etc.
--

Hi Bruce, I hadn't tried the new Identity suggestion, but I just did and
have come to a snag.
Where you said:

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.
^^^^^^should that be "export them into the new
identity"?
I didn't find the dbx files by doing a search. A while back (months?) when I
was somehow at the location of the dbx files, I had made it a "Favorite".
When I click on that Favorite link in IE I am taken to the page with all the
dbx files. When I go to that page the address box shows the path shown below
as the "old location. That would seem to indicate that the store is there,
but when I look for it in Windows Explorer, the Outlook Express folder Is
EMPTY. So ... it would seem that if I "Browse to the location of your
current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the search)" I
would likely find it wasn't there.

Besides that, Bruce, while i really appreciate your help, I have spent about
the last hour and a half in this new identity thing and it seems like it is
opening up a whole new world of complications for me. I believe I have
created a new identity, but don't even know how to get into it and I think
you said before that I'm going to have to move or copy my address book into
it and gosh knows what other procedural steps I'll have to adapt to, just to
get my message store into a folder of its own that I can find in Windows
Explorer.
I'm in over my head, I'm afraid. I don't think I've made anything worse
(yet), but sometimes "discretion is the better part of valor"
So I think I'm going to drop this project.

I was trying to think how I may have accidentally caused this problem that
resulted in an empty GUID folder and the absence of a "Microsoft" and
"Outlook Express" folder.
In a previous backup session, when Ifound my Outlook Express folder and
copied & pasted it to my external HD, I may possibly have "Cut and pasted"
in error.
I wonder if Outlook Express may be using the store on my external drive,
rather than the one that doesn't seem to be there on my local drive C:

Thanks to Bruce, Don and Jim, but I give up.

Fred




Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new folder
in the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft folder I
created a new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty GUID
folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express folders.
So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders and moving
the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown in
the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook Express"
folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look in
the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The main
purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message store
into its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the whole
folder into my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this
OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in making
be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import
| Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon |
View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any
place on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then,
open the Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point
to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well
and then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a
very light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been
able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading and
will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new
'Microsoft' folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder
and move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of
the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at
this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and
then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

I'm sorry to say, bayskater, but I don't know what else I could recommend
without a hands-on with your machine.

Not being able to find, or move the message store is something that I have
never experienced.

A hard install of your OS would get everything back to normal, but if you
can't find and backup not only OE, but your other personal files and
folders, you will end up losing things that may be important to you.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx files
is currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the messages
as per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new identity, the path
in Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder should show you where the
message store is located in the new identity, and most likely, it will be
in Documents & Settings...........etc.
--

Hi Bruce, I hadn't tried the new Identity suggestion, but I just did and
have come to a snag.
Where you said:

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.
^^^^^^should that be "export them into the new
identity"?
I didn't find the dbx files by doing a search. A while back (months?) when
I was somehow at the location of the dbx files, I had made it a
"Favorite". When I click on that Favorite link in IE I am taken to the
page with all the dbx files. When I go to that page the address box shows
the path shown below as the "old location. That would seem to indicate
that the store is there, but when I look for it in Windows Explorer, the
Outlook Express folder Is EMPTY. So ... it would seem that if I "Browse to
the location of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx
files doing the search)" I would likely find it wasn't there.

Besides that, Bruce, while i really appreciate your help, I have spent
about the last hour and a half in this new identity thing and it seems
like it is opening up a whole new world of complications for me. I believe
I have created a new identity, but don't even know how to get into it and
I think you said before that I'm going to have to move or copy my address
book into it and gosh knows what other procedural steps I'll have to adapt
to, just to get my message store into a folder of its own that I can find
in Windows Explorer.
I'm in over my head, I'm afraid. I don't think I've made anything worse
(yet), but sometimes "discretion is the better part of valor"
So I think I'm going to drop this project.

I was trying to think how I may have accidentally caused this problem that
resulted in an empty GUID folder and the absence of a "Microsoft" and
"Outlook Express" folder.
In a previous backup session, when Ifound my Outlook Express folder and
copied & pasted it to my external HD, I may possibly have "Cut and pasted"
in error.
I wonder if Outlook Express may be using the store on my external drive,
rather than the one that doesn't seem to be there on my local drive C:

Thanks to Bruce, Don and Jim, but I give up.

Fred




Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new folder
in the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft folder I
created a new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty GUID
folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express folders.
So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders and moving
the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown in
the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook
Express" folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look in
the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The main
purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message store
into its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the whole
folder into my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this
OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in
making be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import
| Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon |
View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any
place on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then,
open the Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point
to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well
and then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a
very light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been
able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading
and will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week
or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new
'Microsoft' folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder
and move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of
the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at
this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and
then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

See here to find the old messages: www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

The dbx files are hidden. You have to go to Tools | Folder Options | View
in Windows Explorer and enable showing hidden files. Then when you do a
Search you have to do an Advanced Search and choose in the Advanced Search
options to include hidden files. Then you should be able to find the old
dbx files.

Once you do, use File | Import | Messages and point to that directory to get
the messages back.

If you have trouble with those directions, then you need to get someone to
help you "hands on" with your computer, as Bruce indicates.

cheers,

steve

"bayskater" wrote in message
...

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx files
is currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the messages
as per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new identity, the path
in Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder should show you where the
message store is located in the new identity, and most likely, it will be
in Documents & Settings...........etc.
--

Hi Bruce, I hadn't tried the new Identity suggestion, but I just did and
have come to a snag.
Where you said:

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.
^^^^^^should that be "export them into the new
identity"?
I didn't find the dbx files by doing a search. A while back (months?) when
I was somehow at the location of the dbx files, I had made it a
"Favorite". When I click on that Favorite link in IE I am taken to the
page with all the dbx files. When I go to that page the address box shows
the path shown below as the "old location. That would seem to indicate
that the store is there, but when I look for it in Windows Explorer, the
Outlook Express folder Is EMPTY. So ... it would seem that if I "Browse to
the location of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx
files doing the search)" I would likely find it wasn't there.

Besides that, Bruce, while i really appreciate your help, I have spent
about the last hour and a half in this new identity thing and it seems
like it is opening up a whole new world of complications for me. I believe
I have created a new identity, but don't even know how to get into it and
I think you said before that I'm going to have to move or copy my address
book into it and gosh knows what other procedural steps I'll have to adapt
to, just to get my message store into a folder of its own that I can find
in Windows Explorer.
I'm in over my head, I'm afraid. I don't think I've made anything worse
(yet), but sometimes "discretion is the better part of valor"
So I think I'm going to drop this project.

I was trying to think how I may have accidentally caused this problem that
resulted in an empty GUID folder and the absence of a "Microsoft" and
"Outlook Express" folder.
In a previous backup session, when Ifound my Outlook Express folder and
copied & pasted it to my external HD, I may possibly have "Cut and pasted"
in error.
I wonder if Outlook Express may be using the store on my external drive,
rather than the one that doesn't seem to be there on my local drive C:

Thanks to Bruce, Don and Jim, but I give up.

Fred




Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new folder
in the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft folder I
created a new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty GUID
folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express folders.
So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders and moving
the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown in
the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook
Express" folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look in
the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The main
purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message store
into its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the whole
folder into my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this
OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in
making be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import
| Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location of
your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing the
search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon |
View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any
place on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then,
open the Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point
to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well
and then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a
very light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even been
able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep reading
and will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in a week
or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new
'Microsoft' folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder
and move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my newly
created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location of
the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info at
this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type , and
then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

Thanks, Steve,

But I DO see my .dbx files, but not where they're supposed to be.
My msg store is supposed to be at:

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

But when I go to that Outlook Express folder (which I recently created to
try to solve this problem) using Windows Explorer, I find it EMPTY
My hidden files were enabled all along.

I can get to the dbx files using a "Favorites" link made long ago.

When I do get to the dbx files that way, the address shown in the address
box is:

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

However, when I use Windows Explorer and go to the Outlook Express folder in
that path , it is EMPTY

When I started chasing this problem, the GUID folder was empty and , of
course, there were no Microsoft or Outlook Express folders.
I recently created those two folders, in hopes of putting my dbx files into
the OE folder and thereby to restore order to the situation.
I'm tempted to use the favorites link to get to my dbx files, then "Select
All" "Copy" and paste them into the Outlook Express folder that I
recently created. In my vast ignorance, I'm scared to do that, aware of the
old adage "When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING.
I appreciate your interest.

Fred


"Steve Cochran" wrote in message
news
See here to find the old messages: www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

The dbx files are hidden. You have to go to Tools | Folder Options | View
in Windows Explorer and enable showing hidden files. Then when you do a
Search you have to do an Advanced Search and choose in the Advanced Search
options to include hidden files. Then you should be able to find the old
dbx files.

Once you do, use File | Import | Messages and point to that directory to
get the messages back.

If you have trouble with those directions, then you need to get someone to
help you "hands on" with your computer, as Bruce indicates.

cheers,

steve

"bayskater" wrote in message
...

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx
files is currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the messages
as per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new identity, the path
in Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder should show you where
the message store is located in the new identity, and most likely, it
will be in Documents & Settings...........etc.
--

Hi Bruce, I hadn't tried the new Identity suggestion, but I just did and
have come to a snag.
Where you said:

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location
of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing
the search) and import them into the new identity.
^^^^^^should that be "export them into the new
identity"?
I didn't find the dbx files by doing a search. A while back (months?)
when I was somehow at the location of the dbx files, I had made it a
"Favorite". When I click on that Favorite link in IE I am taken to the
page with all the dbx files. When I go to that page the address box shows
the path shown below as the "old location. That would seem to indicate
that the store is there, but when I look for it in Windows Explorer, the
Outlook Express folder Is EMPTY. So ... it would seem that if I "Browse
to the location of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx
files doing the search)" I would likely find it wasn't there.

Besides that, Bruce, while i really appreciate your help, I have spent
about the last hour and a half in this new identity thing and it seems
like it is opening up a whole new world of complications for me. I
believe I have created a new identity, but don't even know how to get
into it and I think you said before that I'm going to have to move or
copy my address book into it and gosh knows what other procedural steps
I'll have to adapt to, just to get my message store into a folder of its
own that I can find in Windows Explorer.
I'm in over my head, I'm afraid. I don't think I've made anything worse
(yet), but sometimes "discretion is the better part of valor"
So I think I'm going to drop this project.

I was trying to think how I may have accidentally caused this problem
that resulted in an empty GUID folder and the absence of a "Microsoft"
and "Outlook Express" folder.
In a previous backup session, when Ifound my Outlook Express folder and
copied & pasted it to my external HD, I may possibly have "Cut and
pasted" in error.
I wonder if Outlook Express may be using the store on my external drive,
rather than the one that doesn't seem to be there on my local drive C:

Thanks to Bruce, Don and Jim, but I give up.

Fred




Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new folder
in the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft folder I
created a new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty GUID
folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express
folders. So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders
and moving the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown
in the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook
Express" folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look in
the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The main
purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message store
into its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the whole
folder into my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this
OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in
making be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File |
Import | Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click
the radio button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the
location of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx
files doing the search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools |
Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path that
resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon |
View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any
place on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then,
open the Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and point
to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well
and then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)? Thanks,
Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a
very light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even
been able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep
reading and will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back in
a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new
'Microsoft' folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder
and move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my
newly created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location
of the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info
at this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type ,
and then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

Create a new Identity in OE via File | Identities. Then use File | Import |
Messages and point to the old directory of dbx files. If they don't import
automatically, you can manually import them. See
www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

steve

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Steve,

But I DO see my .dbx files, but not where they're supposed to be.
My msg store is supposed to be at:

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

But when I go to that Outlook Express folder (which I recently created to
try to solve this problem) using Windows Explorer, I find it EMPTY
My hidden files were enabled all along.

I can get to the dbx files using a "Favorites" link made long ago.

When I do get to the dbx files that way, the address shown in the address
box is:

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

However, when I use Windows Explorer and go to the Outlook Express folder
in that path , it is EMPTY

When I started chasing this problem, the GUID folder was empty and , of
course, there were no Microsoft or Outlook Express folders.
I recently created those two folders, in hopes of putting my dbx files
into the OE folder and thereby to restore order to the situation.
I'm tempted to use the favorites link to get to my dbx files, then
"Select All" "Copy" and paste them into the Outlook Express folder
that I recently created. In my vast ignorance, I'm scared to do that,
aware of the old adage "When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING.
I appreciate your interest.

Fred


"Steve Cochran" wrote in message
news
See here to find the old messages: www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

The dbx files are hidden. You have to go to Tools | Folder Options |
View in Windows Explorer and enable showing hidden files. Then when you
do a Search you have to do an Advanced Search and choose in the Advanced
Search options to include hidden files. Then you should be able to find
the old dbx files.

Once you do, use File | Import | Messages and point to that directory to
get the messages back.

If you have trouble with those directions, then you need to get someone
to help you "hands on" with your computer, as Bruce indicates.

cheers,

steve

"bayskater" wrote in message
...

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx
files is currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the messages
as per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new identity, the
path in Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder should show you
where the message store is located in the new identity, and most
likely, it will be in Documents & Settings...........etc.
--

Hi Bruce, I hadn't tried the new Identity suggestion, but I just did
and have come to a snag.
Where you said:

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import |
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the radio
button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the location
of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx files doing
the search) and import them into the new identity.
^^^^^^should that be "export them into the new
identity"?
I didn't find the dbx files by doing a search. A while back (months?)
when I was somehow at the location of the dbx files, I had made it a
"Favorite". When I click on that Favorite link in IE I am taken to the
page with all the dbx files. When I go to that page the address box
shows the path shown below as the "old location. That would seem to
indicate that the store is there, but when I look for it in Windows
Explorer, the Outlook Express folder Is EMPTY. So ... it would seem that
if I "Browse to the location of your current message store, (Where you
found the dbx files doing the search)" I would likely find it wasn't
there.

Besides that, Bruce, while i really appreciate your help, I have spent
about the last hour and a half in this new identity thing and it seems
like it is opening up a whole new world of complications for me. I
believe I have created a new identity, but don't even know how to get
into it and I think you said before that I'm going to have to move or
copy my address book into it and gosh knows what other procedural steps
I'll have to adapt to, just to get my message store into a folder of its
own that I can find in Windows Explorer.
I'm in over my head, I'm afraid. I don't think I've made anything worse
(yet), but sometimes "discretion is the better part of valor"
So I think I'm going to drop this project.

I was trying to think how I may have accidentally caused this problem
that resulted in an empty GUID folder and the absence of a "Microsoft"
and "Outlook Express" folder.
In a previous backup session, when Ifound my Outlook Express folder and
copied & pasted it to my external HD, I may possibly have "Cut and
pasted" in error.
I wonder if Outlook Express may be using the store on my external drive,
rather than the one that doesn't seem to be there on my local drive C:

Thanks to Bruce, Don and Jim, but I give up.

Fred




Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new
folder in the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft
folder I created a new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty
GUID folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express
folders. So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders
and moving the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown
in the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook
Express" folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look
in the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The
main purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message
store into its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the
whole folder into my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying to
return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through this
OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in
making be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File |
Import | Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click
the radio button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the
location of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx
files doing the search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools
| Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path
that resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden
Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon
| View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any
place on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then,
open the Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and
point to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is well
and then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)?
Thanks, Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a
very light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even
been able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep
reading and will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back
in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID
folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new
'Microsoft' folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store folder
and move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my
newly created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location
of the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info
at this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open the
registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type ,
and then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred

Hi Steve,

Thanks for taking another crack at it.
I had created a second directory the other day at Bruce's suggestion but
doubted that I could import my dbx files, since the folder they were
supposed to be in showed empty.
Today I got into the new identity : and looked for my store folder
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{A8086E6F-9076-4C54-919D-6B60E79E95E4}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express
This path is the same as the old path except for a different GUID

Fine, so far, but when using Windows explorer to find the store, the GUID
folder was empty. (Same condition as the old one when I started this chase)
Nevertheless, I went ahead and tried the Import . Given two choices of where
to Import from:
Main Identity message store, or
From an OE store directory (browse)
I had no confidence in browsing to a folder that Win Explorer had shown as
empty, so I chose the main identity store.
All of my mail folders were imported.
Thinking I was home at last, I went to windows explorer to view the store
in its new location in the new identity, from which I hoped to copy the
Outlook Express folder and paste it onto my external HD, only to find that
the new GUID folder shows as empty.(no Microsoft or Outlook Express folders)

So now I have two identities and they both seem to have e-mail working ok
(maybe a bit slower, now that I've doubled the volume of mail held in the
folders) but still unable to get to the stores via Windows Explorer.

Should I quit now?

Thanks, .. Fred

"Steve Cochran" wrote in message
...
Create a new Identity in OE via File | Identities. Then use File | Import
| Messages and point to the old directory of dbx files. If they don't
import automatically, you can manually import them. See
www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

steve

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Steve,

But I DO see my .dbx files, but not where they're supposed to be.
My msg store is supposed to be at:

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

But when I go to that Outlook Express folder (which I recently created to
try to solve this problem) using Windows Explorer, I find it EMPTY
My hidden files were enabled all along.

I can get to the dbx files using a "Favorites" link made long ago.

When I do get to the dbx files that way, the address shown in the address
box is:

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

However, when I use Windows Explorer and go to the Outlook Express folder
in that path , it is EMPTY

When I started chasing this problem, the GUID folder was empty and , of
course, there were no Microsoft or Outlook Express folders.
I recently created those two folders, in hopes of putting my dbx files
into the OE folder and thereby to restore order to the situation.
I'm tempted to use the favorites link to get to my dbx files, then
"Select All" "Copy" and paste them into the Outlook Express folder
that I recently created. In my vast ignorance, I'm scared to do that,
aware of the old adage "When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING.
I appreciate your interest.

Fred


"Steve Cochran" wrote in message
news
See here to find the old messages: www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

The dbx files are hidden. You have to go to Tools | Folder Options |
View in Windows Explorer and enable showing hidden files. Then when you
do a Search you have to do an Advanced Search and choose in the Advanced
Search options to include hidden files. Then you should be able to find
the old dbx files.

Once you do, use File | Import | Messages and point to that directory to
get the messages back.

If you have trouble with those directions, then you need to get someone
to help you "hands on" with your computer, as Bruce indicates.

cheers,

steve

"bayskater" wrote in message
...

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
You haven't found a home, but you know where the folder for the dbx
files is currently located, correct?

If you know where it is, then you should be able to move it using the
technique at this link to any place you want. Even My Documents:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/how.htm#movestore

Or, have you tried setting up a new identity and importing the
messages as per my last reply? If you do that, then in the new
identity, the path in Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder
should show you where the message store is located in the new
identity, and most likely, it will be in Documents &
Settings...........etc.
--

Hi Bruce, I hadn't tried the new Identity suggestion, but I just did
and have come to a snag.
Where you said:

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File | Import
|
Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click the
radio button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to the
location of your current message store, (Where you found the dbx
files doing the search) and import them into the new identity.
^^^^^^should that be "export them into the new
identity"?
I didn't find the dbx files by doing a search. A while back (months?)
when I was somehow at the location of the dbx files, I had made it a
"Favorite". When I click on that Favorite link in IE I am taken to the
page with all the dbx files. When I go to that page the address box
shows the path shown below as the "old location. That would seem to
indicate that the store is there, but when I look for it in Windows
Explorer, the Outlook Express folder Is EMPTY. So ... it would seem
that if I "Browse to the location of your current message store,
(Where you found the dbx files doing the search)" I would likely find
it wasn't there.

Besides that, Bruce, while i really appreciate your help, I have spent
about the last hour and a half in this new identity thing and it seems
like it is opening up a whole new world of complications for me. I
believe I have created a new identity, but don't even know how to get
into it and I think you said before that I'm going to have to move or
copy my address book into it and gosh knows what other procedural steps
I'll have to adapt to, just to get my message store into a folder of
its own that I can find in Windows Explorer.
I'm in over my head, I'm afraid. I don't think I've made anything worse
(yet), but sometimes "discretion is the better part of valor"
So I think I'm going to drop this project.

I was trying to think how I may have accidentally caused this problem
that resulted in an empty GUID folder and the absence of a "Microsoft"
and "Outlook Express" folder.
In a previous backup session, when Ifound my Outlook Express folder and
copied & pasted it to my external HD, I may possibly have "Cut and
pasted" in error.
I wonder if Outlook Express may be using the store on my external
drive, rather than the one that doesn't seem to be there on my local
drive C:

Thanks to Bruce, Don and Jim, but I give up.

Fred




Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi

I have not yet been successful in finding a home for my store folder.

The old location for it was:
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application
Data\Identities\{651FEF03-F5AD-49E8-8735-3B1E6475A8FE}\Microsoft\Outlook
Express

My recent problem seems to have been that my GUID folder became
empty.

Tody, in an attempt to create a new home for it, I created a new
folder in the GUID folder named "Microsoft" and in the Microsoft
folder I created a new folder called "Outlook Express"
My thinking was that the old path had brecome broken by the empty
GUID folder and the absence of the old Microsoft and Outlook express
folders. So I tried to reconstruct the old path by adding the folders
and moving the Message store into the new Outlook Express folder.
When I went through the steps to move the store I noticed that when I
clicked on Maintenance/ Store Folder it showed the same path as shown
in the at the beginning of this post as "The old location".
Nevertheless, I clicked "Change" and browsed to the New "Outlook
Express" folder that I had just created. and clicked on "OK".
I then closed OE, and reopened it then used Windows explorer to look
in the new Outlook Express folder . It was empty.

My Outlook express e-mail and news functions seem to work OK. The
main purpose of my efforts in this has been to try to get my Message
store into its own folder, so I can conveniently copy and paste the
whole folder into my backup media (external HD).

In your opinion, would I be better if I created a folder such as:C:\
Message Store and try to move the store into that instead of trying
to return to the old default path?

Thanks, .... Fred
C:

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Bruce and Ron,

With the suggestions you offered I should be able to get through
this OK.
All the cautions I've read about the 'registry' have succeeded in
making be steer clear of monkeying with it if possible.

Fred
============================================
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
There is another way around which you /may/ find easier.

File | Identity | Add New Identity. In the new identity: File |
Import | Messages. Select: Microsoft Outlook Express and then click
the radio button to Import from an OE store directory. Browse to
the location of your current message store, (Where you found the
dbx files doing the search) and import them into the new identity.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169

If all your folders and files imported successfully. Check in Tools
| Options | Maintenance | Store Folder. You should see a new path
that resides in C:\ Documents and Settings.....................

Make sure you are set to view Hidden Files and Folders.

To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show
Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder
Options Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder
Options | View.

If you can follow that new path and see your dbx files, the message
store is in the place intended by default.

You will have to Export / Import your Address Book from the old
Identity.

Open the Address Book in the old identity and File | Export to any
place on your HDD that is easy for you. My Documents is fine. Then,
open the Address Book in the new identity and File | Import and
point to where you saved it.

In File | Identities | Manage Identities, make the new identity the
default identity.

Don't rush. Use the new identity for awhile to make sure all is
well and then you can delete the old identity.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Bruce? Ron? Jim? Any answer to my question in PS (below)?
Thanks, Fred
"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Jim,

Besides being 'not familiar" I'm 78, and the grey matter is now a
very light grey.
I opened regedit and clicked on help and tried a search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities and got nowhere, so I haven't even
been able to view what the current settings are yet. I'll keep
reading and will try to absorb the 'basics' and will report back
in a week or so.

Thanks,

Fred

PS Meantime is there any merit to my suggestion that I should:
1. Create a new folder called 'Microsoft' in the empty GUID
folder.
2. Create a new folder called 'Outlook Express' in the new
'Microsoft' folder
3.Follow the instructions (given by Bruce)to move the store
folder and move it to a new
folder on your C Drive. Any place is acceptable How about my
newly created 'Outlook Express' folder?
That would seem to recreate the path that WAS my default location
of the store folder

Thanks, F.


"Jim Pickering" jimp (AT) mvps.org wrote in message
...
Since you are not familiar with using the registry editor, I'd
suggest you start with some reading of the basics. Try the info
at this link:
http://www.insideoe.com/tips/regedit.htm

Good luck and be careful when working in the registry.
--
Jim Pickering, MVP, Windows Mail Apps




"bayskater" wrote in message
...
Hi Jim,

Starting out to follow your suggestion and searched for Open
the registry editor and got:
. To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type ,
and then click OK.



type what?

Thanks, ... Fred