The idea
For me it would just be fun to be able to extract all messages from Outlook Express and store them
in Phoenix Mail. For others, it could be useful (there is a feature request about this).
Two years ago I started writing a test application, that was able to display the folders, messages and
message contents of all messages that where stored in my Outlook Express folders. It was fun, but I
didn't use it and stopped working on it. Today, I decided to add that code to the cvs repository, so
it can be used by everyone.
Outlook Express .dbx files import
Outlook Express stores it's messages in .dbx files, which are binary files. The format of these
files is proprietary, but Arne Schloh made a description
of the format of these files, which was all information I needed to get started. You can download the
test application (561 KB) if you want, the source can be downloaded from the
cvs repository.
Third party tools
There are some third party tools that can extract messages from .DBX files.
DBXtract
Commercial. You tell it which *.dbx file you wish to use and DBXtract proceeds to extract every
message in the file and store them as separate *.eml files in a Windows folder.
It often succeeds in extracting files from a damaged *.dbx that even OE cannot read.
You might never need this, but if you do, you will join the hundreds (of thousands?)
whose email was saved by DBXtract. You can download it from the author, MVP Steve Cochran.
The cost is US $5.00.
DBXpress
Commercial. Improved version of the above DBXtract tool, which works
only if you have the .NET Framework installed. Costs $24.95.
Macallan Outlook Express Extraction
Freeware. This application can extract messages or
attachments from OE *.dbx files. It can also
be used to recover messages from a damaged *.dbx or *.dbt file. Messages are extracted as
individual *.eml files in a Windows folder. After extraction, you can simply drag the
*.eml files into an Outlook Express mail folder in the OE Folder list. There is also a DOS
version available which can be run from a command prompt.
OE-Mail Recovery -
Outlook Express Mail Recovery
Commercial. OE-Mail Recovery is a tool for repairing Outlook Express folders if they are damaged or corrupted.
OE-Mail Recovery extracts and saves e-mails from .dbx files in which Microsoft Outlook Express
stores messages and folders on the local drive. The program will help you avoid troubles with
Outlook Express folders and fix the problems with Outlook Express folders that you can't open.
DBXanalyzer
Shareware. Reads, analyses and manages email data files
created by Microsoft Outlook Express 5 and 6.
Express Archiver - An Outlook Express Backup Utility
Shareware. Express Archiver is a Windows shareware that helps you backup,
view and extract mails from original Outlook Express files (.dbx files).