Backing up Outlook Express files

Backing up Outlook Express files
Can you explain how to back up Outlook Express files and folders?Sure. I assume you want to back up your Inbox, Sent Items, Deleted Items, etc. There's a relatively easy—but inelegant—way to do it.
Outlook Express files end with dbx. So, you'll get Inbox.dbx, Folders.dbx, Offline.dbx, etc. The trick is finding the dbx files.
A search in Windows Explorer probably won't work. The search function is awful. Besides, Microsoft doesn't like to expose system files. So we'll just have to track 'em down!
To do that, open Outlook Express. Click Tools>>Options. Select the Maintenance tab. Click the Store Folder… button. You'll get a little Window that says Store Location. A box within the windows contains the path to the dbx files. This is the inelegant part.
Here's my path: C:\Documents and Settings\Kim\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{86757014-3806-4091-ADBB-3CD3F270ECE0}\Microsoft\Outlook Express.
Use Windows Explorer to follow the path. The dbx files are in the Outlook Express folder. As I said, Microsoft really doesn't want us messing with these files. So they may be hidden.
If you don't see them, click Tools>>Folder Options in Windows Explorer. Click View. Under Advanced Settings, select "Show hidden files and folders." Deselect "Hide extensions for known file types." Also deselect "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)." Click Apply>>OK.
If you have a regular backup routine, just include the dbx files. If you don't, copy them to a flash drive, second hard drive or CD. Do not copy them to the hard drive on which they reside. Your biggest danger is a hard drive failure. If that were to happen, it would take the backup with it.