Probably a dumb question. But if I want to install Outlook Express 6 on my computer, but already have the previous version of Outlook Express, will it keep all my emails, contacts, settings etc intact when I install the new version? Looking through these boards, it seems I can copy all Outlook emails, contacts etc by copying the .pst file (and thus pasting it back in the right folder if I need to restore the old info)? Right? Does this still work if you're using a different version of Outlook Express to the one the pst was from? What if you go from Outlook Express to Outlook? If someone could reply quickly that'd be fantastic. I just don't want to risk losing all of someone's important contacts etc. ^^.

Your question is confusing. Upgrading your Outlook Express shouldn't effect your current settings, but if you have doubts, just back up your Outlook Express folder under your Documents and Settings before you upgrade. Outlook uses a pst file. Outlook Express doesn't. So unless you're using Outlook and NOT Outlook Express, you're not using a pst file. If you are talking about Outlook, just back up the user's pst file before doing anything with it. It should be part of your back up procedures anyway. :) You can indeed import Outlook Express mailboxes, address book, etc into many email programs. Outlook and Eudora are two that have this Import Option. Lemme know.. :)

Okay. My question was confusing because when I wrote it I didn't know exactly whether the program currently on the computer was Outlook or Outlook Express. So, they currently have Outlook 2002. If I install Outlook Express 6, will this cause problems? Will it replace Outlook with Outlook Express, or will they be considered two entirely different pieces of software? Will all the contacts, folders, etc, remain the same? (I know these are dumb questions but I'm very new to Outlook and I've yet to find a single web page that *just tells me*!) Thanks for your answers so far. ^_^. Again, a *really* quick answer would be much appreciated. ^_^.

They are separate programs - if you install OE6 your Outlook will be untouched. If you use it Outlook Express as your email client you will need to import your contacts from Outlook.

They are two separate programs. If you wish for the user to change to Outlook Express, you can then use the File, Import option to import the Outlook Contacts (Address Book) and the mail settings. The wizard will walk you through it, and it's not difficult. Before you do that, though, I recommend that you make a copy of the user's pst file just in case...