transferring essential files from WIN98 to XP

[beatboy]

How do you transfer favourites / address book / email messages from an old computer with WIN98 to a new computer with WIN-XP. Where are these files stored in windows XP file manager? The locations have been moved and file search can't locate files with dbx file extensions etc.

[Paul Komski]

Your OE store folder (which holds the dbx files) is found by going to tools > options > maintenance > store folder (where you will see the path and be able to move the location if you so desire).

Your Address Book location is found by opening the Address Book from OE and then go to the Help > About menu.

You can find the location of your favorites by typing %UserProfile%/favorites into the address bar of IE or MyComputer.

How you transfer the old files in depends to some extent on the version of OE and also how the backups/copies were made in the first place.

BTW - there is a Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in XP which might help you - though I have never used it.

[beatboy]

Hi Paul,

the OE store folder appears to be hidden in my Windows XP. I got the location as :

C:\Documents and Settings\Stuart Blair\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{8D32DF8B-D3B8-4783-A0C5-FE37E2FC8659}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

phew!! but in Windows Exp the 'local settings' folder is hidden.
Similar story for Address book which is located somewher in '/Stuart Blair/Application data/..... (application data ALSO HIDDEN).

I am having alot of problems with things being hidden in XP. It's my first day with it so bear with me!

I also tried organizing my start menu but none of my programs are visible in the advanced section in customize start menu. How can I organize what I cant see!!

Found my favourites folder OK.

Windows XP seems to be very cagy about giving you access to essential files etc, even when signed in as an administrator. I suppose they think if you can FIND the files then you must be competent enough to move/change them.

cheers.

Stu.

[Sylvander]

See these:

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;306186

User State Migration Tool for Windows XP Professional
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321197&Product=winxp

Some interesting articles:
HOW TO: Search For Hidden Or System Files In Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302347&Product=winxp
It says:
Configure your computer to show hidden files in the Folder Options dialog box in Windows Explorer.
Configure your computer not to hide protected operating system files.

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308419&Product=winxp#4

HOW TO: Create a Custom Default User Profile
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;319974&Product=winxp

[Paul Komski]

Sylvander's blue lines should let you see the files/folders.
Go to: MyComputer > Tools > Folder Options > View Tab.

Set the radio button for "Show Hidden Files and Folders".
Uncheck the box for "Hide Protected Operating System Files".

You could try to customize the classic start menu by choosing that option from RClicking the Start Button and choosing Properties.

Let us know how you are get on.