Many email programs do not provide a practical way to back up messages that you have saved. For example, Outlook Express (OE) uses an arcane data store that makes it difficult for ordinary users to back up, much less restore email messages. Backup programs potentially offer a more straightforward way to back up messages, account settings and contact details (address book).
Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB) [1] makes a full backup of OE's data files and registry keys, or just a backup of the address book. A full backup includes mail folders, newsgroups, address book and identity settings.
OEQB is certainly effective, but somewhat confusing to install and use, particularly the first time you do a restore operation. The instructions [2] are hard to find but helpful.
OEQB may not behave as indicated when you start it the first time. According to the instructions [2], you should create the folder you want to use for backups, and then select that folder in the first window that appears when you start OEQB. The window may not appear. Just click through the exception message that does appear, and select a folder by using the OEQB "File" menu.
Personally I prefer to use Windows Explorer to manually back up the messages and address book, and also I export account settings directly, using the Account Settings dialog under Tools. If you want to try this method you will find this Microsoft guide [3] helpful.
[1] Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB)
Website: http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
Download link: http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/oeqbfull.zip
Author: Majik (David Guess)
Current version: 1.3.0.6
Version date: 12/12/2004
Download File size: 1,952 KB
License: Unrestricted use freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 98-XP
Additional Software Required: OE 5.0 or later, MSVB 60 (included in download file)
64 Bit version available: No
Portable version available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
[2] OEQB Help
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/oeqb.htm
[3] Manual backup instructions
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270670/EN-US/