Need help finding my Outlook Express address books and mail folders (vanity)

self

[calvin sun]

My computer, which had been running Windows 98 SE, recently developed a problem which left the hard disk unable to boot into Windows. I have created a startup disk which does at least allow me to get to a command line prompt.

I have done countless CD and DIR commands, but am unable to find my .WAB (address book) or .MBX (mailbox) files. Any help would be appreciated. Part of the problem, of course, is that the directory names are truncated.

Is there a DOS-based "file search" tool that I could use, that would let me find the files?

Thanks.

[TomGuy]

Do a file search on *.wab

Windows put those Outlook express files in a weird alphanumeric sub-subdirectory.

I use XP now, so I don't remember exactly which is was under Win98.

[greydog]

Try putting in a new HD (as a master drive with WIN98SE as the OS) and making the old HD the slave.

You might be able to find the old address files and move them to the new C: drive.

[cibco]

I think they are behind the couch...

[calvin sun]

Unfortunately, I have access only to the command line ("C:>"). I cannot get to Windows itself.

Therefore, I think I need a DOS-based equivalent to Explorer.

Thanks.

[TomGuy]

As for a Dos-based file manager, check this one:

File Extreme

It works pretty good.

[Lorenb420]

Have you tried: dir /s [keyword] to search?

[TomGuy]

Here you go. The directory you need to look in will look something like this:

C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{BBD40500-F47D-11D3-926D-838F5E9CE62D}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

[netmilsmom]

C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{9A26B1E0-34AE-11D7-A99D-DAFBXXXXXXXXX}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

Netmilsdad says this is what you are looking for

[mrsmith]

C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book\ (your name)

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Have you tried the command (from the C: prompt)?:

cd windows

If that works then try:

scanreg /fix.

If that doesn't work try:

scanreg /restore

( this will give you the option of restoring a previous registry. You may lose some recnt setting but it's better than nothing ).

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

There is a great little DOS search program called "Where"
which used to come with Dell computers, in the pre-Windows days.
It's tiny (3K). FreepMail me and I'd be happy to send it to you.

[netmilsmom]

Sorry I jumped the gun....
cd \WINDOWS\Applic~1\Identi~1\random string\Micros~1\Outloo~1\

Your Outlook data should all be there.
The random string is unique to your Windows load.

[South40]

I think they are behind the couch...

Actually, they're probably under a cushion.

[DCBurgess58]

I heard that Dieter Schmessen, a 16 year old computer nerd in a suberb of Berlin has your outlook address book. The rest of your files are kind of spread out between Taiwan and Indonesia.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I always learn things from these threads.

OFFICIAL BUMP(TOPIC)LIST

[bd476]

Bump for later computer info reading.

[jokar]

I'm trying to install Word 2002 on a 98 SE OS.
This is a Purchased copy.

install window comes up with the warning :
To Install office, setup must update your system to the minimum required level of functionality, including:
-- Core system and data access components.
After installing this update, setup will continue automatically.


clicked on help it says that office evaluates the system for Data access(OLEDB and ODBC)
components
internet explorer
fonts

I went to this page on MS.http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d.../dataaccess.asp

There I found the OLEDB download but it was asking me for a location to put it. I don't know where to put it.
I downloaded it to my desktop and it is an executable file.

When I clicked on the file off the desktop it asks me for a location to put the file. El Stumpo again.

The ODBC just sent me to the FoxPro page.
HEEEEEEELP !

All the Window updates are currant for the OS.
Can anybody help ?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I am not a Word user at all.

Does it say it will run under Windows 98?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Check out the thread I pinged you to!