My computer is set up with two drives and in a moment of inattention I did an unrecoverable injury to my XP installation which made it unbootable and unrepairable, I have re-installed the system on another disk and as a result I am still able to access information on the damaged system. Previously I used “Microsoft Outlook” for my email and I have re-installed that on my new system. Where on the damaged system will I find all my emails (in their folders) and the address book? I did find a .wab file in Documents and settings but it refers to a time when I used Outlook Express and is of no use to me. Regards. Once I thought I was wrong, now I'm not so sure!

You're looking for a pst file. By default it's located under C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst, but it could be elsewhere if you moved it. Which I doubt, since you don't know what you're looking for. :) Copy that to a newly created folder on the new load. I'd create an Outlook folder preferably not on the OS partition. Then, you'll need to point Outlook to that pst file. Let me know if I've been helpful to you, and if you need step-by-step on how to use the old pst file. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!

Thank you Jennifer. I have found three files ie: Outlook.pst (43888kb), archive.pst (448kb) and extend.dat (248). Bearing in mind that I am unable to access Outlook in my damaged system your help in processing these files will be very much appreciated. I have coppied them to a holding folder on my working system in the meantime. Regards. Once I thought I was wrong, now I'm not so sure!

Ewen, the extend.dat is not a useable file for what you need to do. This site will tell you a bit more on what you need and help you locate the files that you need in order to set up a new address book. http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup.htm IN THE MATTERS OF STYLE, swim with the current; in matters of principle, STAND LIKE A ROCK Visit Computer Vitals For A Pleasant Surprise

Create a new folder (Outlook) on your new OS load.. A partition other than the OS partition is the best place. Place the Outlook.pst file in that folder. Next: Right-Click on the Outlook Icon Properties Data Files My guess is the default path is listed there at the Mail Delivery file. Assuming you're already attempted to run Outlook. If so, Close. Click Email Accounts View or Change email accounts Under "Deliver new email to the following location" click on New Outlook Data file select the proper version of Outlook Browse to the new location of your old Outlook file Click OK Finish Data Files Click on the original Mail Delivery pst Click Remove Close Close Then open Outlook You should receive an message about the location for email has changed. That's a good thing. Close Outlook so that the changes can be saved. That's it. To reconnect your Contacts to your Address Book, see my fix on the HowTos section of this website. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!

Thank you Jennifer... I'll do a bit more experimenting during the week and I'll come back. Thank you once again lurkswithin... Regards Once I thought I was wrong, now I'm not so sure!

Short and sweet... success albeit with some hiccups but I got everything copied in successfully. Still can't find my emails though. That's not important but it would have been nice to have them. Thank you Jennifer and lurkswithin. Once I thought I was wrong, now I'm not so sure!