I really don't know what you did from your post. See these links to see if
you erred in your backup procedure.

Backup and Resto

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

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

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

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/...ten.mspx#E3EAC

Backing up and Cloning your OE Identities:
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/index.htm
--
Bruce Hagen
MS MVP - Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Linda" wrote in message
...
Before reformatting my laptop hard drive I backed up the hard drive onto
and external hard drive. After reformatting the laptop and reinstalling
the backup I can't find or retrieve the OE folders or address book. OE
came up brand new as if it had never been set up. I've tried to find the
address book and folders on the backup but they don't seem to be there. I
even tried looking for hidden files and folders but had no luck. Is there
anyway to get them back or are they gone forever?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Linda