Question About Upgrading Outlook Express

[Ro_Laren]

The Outlook Express on my work computer is screwed up and I can't even up my e-mails or delete my old ones. My company talked with a computer guy and long story short he said that the program is corrupted. He recommended that we buy a newer version of Outlook as our current version is Outlook 2000.

Anywho, if I buy Outlook Express 2007 and install it on my computer, will it automatically transfer all of my e-mails (in my Inbox, Sent Items folder, etc) and all of the addresses in my address book? This is crucial as I have a lot of important stuff that isn't saved!! The computer guy said all of the stuff would automatically transfer if we install a newer version, but I am really scared!!

 

[Hermiod]

Don't confuse Outlook with Outlook Express. Outlook Express is a simple mail client which has since been replaced with Windows Mail.

Microsoft Office Outlook is considerably larger. And yes, it will upgrade your e-mails, calendars, contacts etc.

 

[Omnius]

If you're used to Outlook Express, I'd personally recommend upgrading to Mozilla Thunderbird. It's free.

 

[Ro_Laren]

You are right Hermiod. I checked after I posted on this Board and it is in fact Outlook (2000 Edition) and not Outlook Express.

 

[Hermiod]

You are right Hermiod. I checked after I posted on this Board and it is in fact Outlook (2000 Edition) and not Outlook Express.

I was going to say, you don't have to buy Outlook Express it is (well was) free. Upgrading Microsoft Office Outlook will cost you money.

 

[RobertVA]

The ability to recover past messages (sent or received) depends upon the root of the problem being corrupted Outlook program files or corrupted Outlook data files. Corrupted program files should be recoverable by uninstalling and reinstalling the application (same or newer version). If the data files have been corrupted your IT "guy" will need to restore those files from their most recent backup, even if your system is updated to a more recent version of Outlook. IF the person(s) that designed your IT support failed to recommend a frequent backup strategy or your department didn't follow their recommendations that's another problem.

Even if there's an existing data file backup make a new and separate backup of the existing message, calender and contacts databases since reinstalling the Outlook application (separate or as part of a Office Suite installation) might simply replace a damaged database with a new blank database! Once the application is reinstalled make still another separate backup (of the new database) in case Outlook is unable to use your restored backup (from before the upgrade/repair)

Similar issues exist for the Outlook Express client that came with versions of Windows prior to Windows Vista and the mail client supplied with Vista.

 

[Crewman47]

Isn't it the responsibility of your IT department to check the problems with Outlook and restore and replace if necessary, unless you are the IT department? Also, from what I know of where I work our emails are kept on one of the main servers and can be read on any machine we log into so there should be no problems getting the emails transferred to the new version.

Not an expert, only know from observation.

 

[plague]

Upgrading Outlook won't fix it. I'd recommend, if you don't have a backup to restore from that you backup the pst database files and try this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/197316/

If that doesn't work, there are more professional tools. Also, start doing backups.