Anyone know how to read .dbx files?

[baby_bear]

I'm such a dummy. I got a new laptop, and I saved my Outlook Express inbox files onto a CD and then copied them onto a folder on my new computer. But, I can't open the files, and the programs I have located on line seem to only open them when they are in the email program. These files are no longer associated with the email program.

It appears to me that Microsoft does not provide a way to access these files because the code is proprietary. Thanks a lot, Microsoft.

Any suggestions would be most welcome!!

thanks
s_m

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Converter?

Have you seen this or have you already tried it?


http://people.freenet.de/ukrebs/dbxconv.html

This program will extract the messages from an Outlook Express (5.0 - 6.0) mailbox and convert it either to the standard mbox or the Outlook Express eml format. The advantage of saving your mail in mbox format is, that it's a plain text format, which can be read by many mail-clients. Converting to eml format is a convenient way to re-import the messages into Oulook Express.

[baby_bear]

3. Will this work when the files are no longer in OE?

I compacted them and copied them to a CD then to my new computer in a folder. So they aren't associated with an email program now.

That's where I think I'm getting screwed up.

But I will try the website you provided. Thanks
s_m

[HysteryDiagnosis]

7. Associating files with programs

I compacted them and copied them to a CD then to my new computer in a folder. So they aren't associated with an email program now.<<

You can go into a folder... click on view... the folder options... I think file types or associations.. and it is pretty much self explanatory as to how it is done....

Oh wait.. I have a windoze machine running right next to me....

Yes... it's "view", "folder options", then file types.

If you have trouble doing it... here are two good pages to help you out...... good luck.

http://www.md4pc.com/questions/40.htm

http://www.jpsoft.com/help/index.htm?winassoc.htm

[baby_bear]

13. Thank you, Medialize!

I'm checking it out.
s_m

[DontBlameMe]

2. Import them in to OE

Go to File-->Import-->Messages. Select the version of OE they are from, select Import from an OE6 directory, then navigate to the directory on the cd. Should import them with no problem.

[baby_bear]

4. I can import them but then cannot read them

There is no program on my computer that reads .dbx files. That's why I was cursing at Microsoft. Why do they create files that they don't have a program for reading them?

Or am I totally missing the boat? (Not an unlikely event.)

Patience, please.....

s_m

[DontBlameMe]

5. What program do you use to "import" them?

Or, are you just copying them to the Identities folder on the new machine?

[baby_bear]

8. I compacted them per OE directions, then copied them to a CD

The only information in "help" in OE for dbx files is to compact them and then move them to a folder. Period. They don't say then how to extract or read them. I burned a CD then copied the files to a new folder on my new computer. And there they sit.

Am I answering your question, at least so that it makes more sense as to what I'm trying to do? I just want to read theh emails, hello Microsoft?????

grrr

Sorry, my venting is not at you, but just at the fact that this should be even a little bit difficult.

s_m

[Union Thug]

6. I don't remember...

..but to you still supporting OE maybe you can elaborate, there were two files created with OE... MBX and DBX.. i thought, but I don't recall, that mbx was the content and dbx was the index?

Sorry, I just don't recall... =(

[baby_bear]

9. I think you might be thinking of Outlook not OE?

All the OE files, unlike the Outlook files, are .dbx, and it is proprietary, according to what I have read, so there is no easy way to just click on them and open them once they have been archived or moved to another location as I have done.

s_m

[2Design]

10. each time I have done this it has taken for ever...so I don't remember the

exact steps....

But if you put them in the folder that they came out of then they will come back.....

if you go into help I think it tells you where the folder is....it is several folders down in windows...and is one of those....384,d932-32 type folders...

help may tell you the right way...or search...

if you instead load mozilla and import them there...they come in very easy....but not sure from .dbx

converter is not the problem...it is not a straight forward thing....
it is frustrating and seems it took me hours to figure it out and then finally it just happened...

you may want to create a test message to your self and then go find out where it wass put...

[baby_bear]

11. aaaaccckkkkkk!!!!

Why does Microsoft make it so frigging difficult?

ARGGGGHHHH

I think I will just write off the damn files. crap.

Thanks to everyone for at least confirming that it's really not just me, but a ridiculously maddening process.

Linux, anyone?

s_m

[HysteryDiagnosis]

14. Linux, anyone?

Sure am.

http://www.mandrakesoft.com/

[2Design]

12. because of the people here I have downloaded mozilla and

using that email... I like the whole set up better, but I have not tried the backup yet.