OLEXP: You Cannot Import a Single .dbx Message File (262118)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q262118
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

If you try to import data into Outlook Express, there is no option to import a single .dbx message file. Outlook Express provides the option to import messages only from an Outlook Express identity or store folder.

WORKAROUND

To import a single .dbx file:
  1. Right-click the Inbox, and then click Properties. Note the folder in which the Inbox.dbx file is stored.
  2. Quit Outlook Express.
  3. Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to copy the .dbx file that you want to import to the folder that you noted in step 1. Make sure that you give the file a unique name that does not conflict with any other .dbx file in that folder.

    NOTE: This name becomes the name of the folder in Outlook Express.
  4. In the folder that you noted in step 1, rename the Folders.dbx file to Folders.old.
  5. Start Outlook Express.
In the Folders pane, you see the .dbx file that you copied. You can drag items to their appropriate locations, or rename the folder.

For more information about using Windows Explorer, click Start, click Help, click the Search tab, type using windows explorer, and then double-click the topic in the list.

For more information about renaming files or folders, click Start, click Help, click the Search tab, and then type change the name of a file or folderand then double-click the topic in the list.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/29/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB262118
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.