Tips & Tricks

Sharing Outlook Express Folders - Part 1

Do you use folders in Outlook Express to keep your e-mail organized? Maybe you have a whole slew of information in one of those folders you'd like to share with a friend. Should you just forward each piece of e-mail to them? Maybe do a printout?

How about just sending them your entire folder?

Didn't know you could do that, did ya?

Here's how to get them the info. In part 2, we'll show you how to get it into their folder list (there's a trick to it).

1. First, you're going to need the location that Outlook Express is using to store your information (folders). You can get that by hitting the Tools menu, Options.

2. Click the Maintenance tab and then the "Store Folder" button.

3. A screen will pop up that gives you the secret location of where Outlook Express is keeping your e-mail. If your memory is short, or the path is long, you may want to write that info down. Better yet, copy the info and use our Computers 101 tip to get to the folder.

4. OK, now close out the Store folder and Options screens. You have what ya came for.

5. Next, open the My Computer icon on your desktop (XP users, hit Start, My Computer).

6. Navigate to the location where Outlook Express is keeping your e-mail. Once you're there, you should see your Outlook Express folders listed.

Note that if you have your computer set up to view file extensions, the files will end with ".dbx" (like Inbox.dbx).

To send this file to a friend, just right-click it and select "Send to, Mail Recipient". Of course, you can copy it to a disk (if it fits) or a CD-R if you like.

OK, that's how you find and send it. Now, how does the person who gets this file integrate it into their mailbox? Check part 2 for the exciting conclusion!!

Read Part 2

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