Manual way to perform Outlook Express to MS-Outlook file conversion

Recent update of Microsoft put outlook Express users in big trouble.  Microsoft is going to stop support for Windows Xp.  This update affects Outlook Express user directly as Outlook Express is bundled with Windows XP as default email application. After getting this update most of users switch their email application from Outlook Express to MS-Outlook. However there are other reasons also that let user to migrate from DBX to PST file platform. After having a look on Info graph shown below user will clearly distinguish Why to Choose MS-Outlook? Info-graph: 

Outlook Express to MS-Outlook

Let me explain steps to perform manual migration.

To migrate manually from Outlook Express to Outlook user need to perform process in three steps.

First phase: Import all Outlook Express data to Windows Live Mail

Second phase:  Export all imported data from Windows Live Mail to MS-Outlook

Requirement

•Outlook Express Installation

•Windows Live Mail Installation

•MS-Outlook installation

Imp NOTE: Before initiating Import and Export process users are advised to take backup of their Outlook Express file (DBX). Because we are using manual method for conversion and in case if any error occurs then there is no loss of data. 

Let’s start First phase of process: 

In first phase of process user need to download and install Windows live mail application to their system.  If users are using Windows8 on their system then they must install Windows live mail while all Windows7 and vista user have Windows Live Mail application by default on their system. Installation takes very less time. 

Steps to import all Outlook Express data to Windows Live Mail:

• Using your OE application go to Control Panel and choose option ‘Appearance and Themes’
• Now select Folder Option.

2. Under Folder Options perform necessary action to show Hidden files and folders and drives.

WE NEED TO PERFORM THIS STEP BECAUSE BY DEFAULT OUTLOOK EXPRES FOLDERS ARE HIDDEN IN WINDOWS

• Locate folder named as Outlook Express. In windows default location of Outlook Express folder is C:\Documents and Settings\your user name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{your Windows user identity number}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
• After relocation of Outlook Express folder copy folder to system who is running Windows Vista7 or Windows 8
• Wait till copying process get complete
• Start Windows Live Mail application by following steps: Start button > All Programs > Windows Mail.
• Point to Import Option categorized under File menu choose ‘Messages’
• Select Microsoft Outlook Express 6 and proceed to Next
• Enable check box containing text: “Import mail from an OE6 store directory”

NOTE: By default check box is selected

• Now Browse to locate Outlook Express folder copied in earlier steps
• Now Select Folder and proceed.
• Now Import all folders or select desired folders or messages that you want to Import 
• Finish the process by clicking on NEXT
• Now all outlook Express data has been successfully imported. Let’s begin Second Phase of process

Export all imported data to Outlook 

• Start MS- Outlook email application on your system and also open your Windows Live Mail application.
• Select sub menu ‘Export and then select Email messages’ categorized under File button
• Choose option Microsoft Exchange as the format and proceed
• Click on OK button inserted in Pop up ‘all email will be exported to Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange’
• Start Export process by selecting email folders or appropriate folders using Select folders option.
• Wait till export process get completed
• Click on OK button on dialogue box appeared on your screen

Now user can easily use all Outlook Express data in MS-Outlook. Although process is too lengthy and time consuming. There is no other option to import and Export data manually. However there are direct option available but user have to pay for this option. Use can use third party tools to perform automatic file conversion. There are various DBX to PST converter software available in market that let you perform risk and error free Outlook Express to Outlook conversion.