OLEXP: Unable to Import Messages from Outlook Express 4.x to Outlook Express 5 (234061)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 for Windows 98 SP 1
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 for Windows 98 SP 2
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 for Windows 95 SP 1
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 for Windows 95 SP 2
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 4.0 for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q234061
For information about the differences between Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook e-mail clients, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

257824 OL2000: Differences Between Outlook and Outlook Express

SYMPTOMS

When you import messages from Outlook Express 4.x to Outlook Express 5, you are prompted for the location of the messages you want to import. After you choose the parent folder of the Mail folder, you may receive the following error message:
Not all of the messages from the folder folder name could be imported.
An error has occurred.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if the .idx files in the Mail folder are missing or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue:
  1. Copy the *.idx files into the Mail folder with the existing *.mbx files, and then run the import process. Test to determine if the issue is resolved. If it is not, continue with the remaining steps.
  2. Use Windows Explorer to view the mail message store folder.

    NOTE: By default, the Outlook Express mail and news folders are located in the Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express folder. In Windows 98/95 with user profiles enabled, the Outlook Express mail and news folders are located in the Windows\Profiles\user name\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express folder, where user name is the name you use to log on to Windows.
  3. Right-click the Folders.nch file, click Rename, type folders.oldnch, and then press ENTER.
  4. Copy the .mbx file for the folder you want to import into the current mail message store location.
  5. Restart the computer.
  6. Start Outlook Express, start the Import Wizard, and then import the appropriate folder.
NOTE: When you are importing Outlook Express 4.x messages into Outlook Express 5 over a network, be sure to point the Outlook Express 5 import wizard to the Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express folder, not to the mail folder in it. (This informaiton assumes that Outlook Express identities are not in use.)
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/24/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB234061
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