If you actually reloaded Windows without backing up OE first, you're
probably out of luck.

If you haven't reloaded yet, *undo* the system restore.

You may be able to get the message back with DBXpress mentioned prior, but I
have doubts.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Sister Ruth" wrote in message
...
The system restore I did was to reload the software as it came from the
factory. Therefore, the machine looks just like it did when I brought it
home. Can I fine the files mentioned in the backup copies?

"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
1: A system restore does not remove messages. Something else happened.

The two most common reasons for what you describe is disruption of the
compacting process, (never touch anything until it's finished), or
bloated
folders. More on that below.

Why does OE insist on compacting folders when I close it?:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/why.htm#compact

Why Mail Disappears:
http://www.insideoe.com/problems/bugs.htm#mailgone

About File Corruption:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/...orruption.mspx

Recovery tools:

If you are using a fully patched version of XP/SP2, see:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918069/en-us

If not:

DBXpress run in Disk Mode is the best chance to recover messages:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

And see:
http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#4

A general warning if you don't want to lose your messages in the futu

Do not archive mail in default OE folders. They will eventually become
corrupted. Create your own user defined folders for storing mail and move
your mail to them. Empty Deleted Items folder regularly. Keep user
created
folders under 100MB, and Default folders as empty as is feasible.

And backup often.

Backup and Resto

http://www.insideoutlookexpress.com/backup/

http://www.oehelp.com/backup.aspx

http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx

2: Outlook Express keeps prompting for your password
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_oe_passwords.htm

Save password setting not retained in Outlook or Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290684

Cannot Save E-Mail Account Password in Outlook Express 5
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=228713

Save Password Check Box Is Unavailable
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=137361

3: See:
http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/where.htm#findwab
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Poor Richard" wrote in message
...
I had to do a system restore and have lost a lot of settings. I copied
most
all files to a removable hard drive.
1. Can I get my mail boxes with the saved email in them and how?
2. OE 6 does not save my password and the site 'inside
insideoe.tomsterdam.com links to microsoft then to Your Outlook Express
Password Is Not Retained in Windows 2000 or XP returns a site stating
that
the KB article is no longer available. I have never had success in
finding
the right article in MS KB system.
3. Also, where is the address book stored and can I get it back.

As you can see, I need help.
Thanks