Your email server backups will depend on the service provider you have selected for your email and the email service level you have purchased or that is provided. This article covers email accounts that can be accessed via the desktop applications MS Outlook Express, MS Outlook 2003, and Mozilla Thunderbird. Let's look at these different email programs.

Outlook Express

Outlook Express is included free with Internet Explorer and is designed to allow home users to receive their e-mail via their ISP (Internet Service Provider). Outlook Express supports the IMAP, POP3, SMTP, and NNTP protocols. For Outlook Express 4.0 or earlier you will find your email files in the following directories:

• C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\
• C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\Identities\
• C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book\

For versions newer than 4.0 you will need to search the registry under each identity key to find the location of the files. Look for the address book files under:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB\Wab File Name
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB\WAB4\Wab File Name

Your email and news files will end with the extension .dbx and your address book .wab

Use the backup command within the software, backup from the location using drag and drop, or incorporate the file into your backup scheduling.

Microsoft Outlook 2003

This is the full version of Outlook that comes with Microsoft Office. This procedure only works if you have the mail option turned on. It stores files much differently using the PST extension which stands for Personal Folder File. Each PST folder contains all of your Outlook folders including your contacts, calendar, tasks, and inbox. When you backup these PST files you will be backing up all of your mail. The difficult part is locating where these files are.

You can locate the files by right-clicking on the Outlook icon. Click Properties and then click the advanced button. The path displayed will show you where your PST files are located. Save this location so you have it for your backups.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Use the backup command found in Mozilla or use drag and drop once you locate the files which should be found at the following locations.

• C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\
• C:\Windows\Profiles\User Name\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\
• C:\Windows\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\

It's best to backup the entire mail directory and save the file without the extension.

There are many other email software packages. If you use one of the others follow their instructions. Basically all mail packages come with a backup command. If you use their backup wizard or directions and set the location properly, meaning you know where to find it, then you should have no problems.

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