Best Tools and Tips for Converting OE to Windows Live Mail

Troubleshooting OE to Windows Live Mail Transfers: Common Issues & Fixes

Migrating from Outlook Express (OE) to Windows Live Mail (WLM) can fail for several reasons. Below are common problems you’ll encounter and step-by-step fixes to get your messages and settings moved successfully.

1. OE messages not visible in Windows Live Mail import

• Cause: OE store folders (.dbx) are corrupted or WLM cannot locate the DBX files.
• Fix:
  1. Locate OE DBX files: open OE → Tools → Options → Maintenance → Store Folder (or search for.dbx on disk).
  2. If DBX files are present, run WLM import: Windows Live Mail → File → Import messages → Microsoft Outlook Express 6. Select the folder containing the DBX files.
  3. If WLM still shows nothing, repair DBX files using a DBX repair tool or copy DBX files to a local folder and retry import.

2. Partial or missing messages after import

• Cause: Large DBX files, corrupted individual DBX files, or insufficient disk space.
• Fix:
  1. Check disk space and free at least several GB if low.
  2. Split large DBX files: use OE to move messages into new folders (creating smaller DBX files) then re-run import.
  3. Use a DBX repair utility on any DBX files that fail; then retry import only for repaired files.

3. Folder structure not preserved

• Cause: Import process sometimes flattens or reorders folders.
• Fix:
  1. After import, manually recreate missing subfolders in WLM and move messages accordingly.
  2. To preserve structure during re-import, export OE folders individually to separate DBX locations (one folder per location) and import each folder into the corresponding WLM folder.

4. Attachments missing or corrupted

• Cause: Attachment data lost due to DBX corruption, antivirus interference, or import errors.
• Fix:
  1. Temporarily disable real-time antivirus scanning during import (re-enable after).
  2. Use OE to open suspect messages and save attachments manually to disk, then reattach in WLM if needed.
  3. Repair DBX files and re-import.

5. Duplicate messages created during import

• Cause: Multiple imports or import tools that don’t check for duplicates.
• Fix:
  1. Remove duplicates in WLM: use built-in sorting to find and delete duplicates, or use a deduplication utility compatible with WLM.
  2. Avoid re-importing the same DBX files; import once per account/folder.

6. Account settings not migrated

• Cause: WLM import may not bring over server, password, or signature settings.
• Fix:
  1. Manually recreate email accounts in WLM: File → Options → Email accounts → Add.
  2. Export signatures from OE (copy signature files from OE signature folder) and import or recreate them in WLM.

7. Permission or access errors (cannot read DBX files)

• Cause: File permissions or DBX files located on network/removed drive.
• Fix:
  1. Copy DBX files to a local NTFS drive and ensure your user account has read/write permissions.
  2. Run WLM as administrator when importing.

8. Import tool crashes or freezes

• Cause: Corrupt DBX, large mailbox, or software conflicts.
• Fix:
  1. Close other programs and disable antivirus temporarily.
  2. Break the import into smaller batches by moving messages into smaller folders in OE first.
  3. Update Windows Live Mail to latest available patch (if applicable) or use an alternative migration method (third-party converter or manual export/import via EML files