2 years of email on the old machine that I still need

[dogboy]

so I have an old imac running 9 something and a new one running 10.2.... I have a ton of old email on the old machine which was using outlook express, and I had a bunch of accounts (using different domains) and each account had numerous folders.... so a big mess. any ideas on how I might move all those emails over to the new box and still have use of them?

[bodine]

I assume the biggest problem is how to get data from one machine to the next, and not how to import the email to the new email app? (Or both?)

I always use a crossover cable (or via a hub) and turn on file sharing and transfer data that way. (If you need specifics on this, let us know.) They are both iMacs, correct? You could also do something complicated like buy an enclosure that would allow you to use your old drive as an external firewire, or you could temporarily remove the cd drive and connect the hard drive. But, I would go with the crossover cable.

[slindo]

If you question is how to consolidate them, there are some neat scripts that will parse emails and put them all in a FMP database, much handier than having them in several different email program formats.

[NeedScripts]

Hi dogboy,

If you were using outlook express, then you should be able to use export function. This function (from what I remember) will also allow you to export complete structure - so if in the new machine if you are using outlook express or XP, all what you need to do is import this particular (.pst I think) file and it should work.

[dogboy]

ah, right on..... sorry I didn't respond sooner, I must not have checked off the email reply button.

well, as far as moving the actual files over, I can just burn cds(?).... I was thinking something along the lines of trying to find the old OE, installing it in the classic environment, then being able to go into my old life whenever I wanted or need to.

I am going to fire up the old computer and see about that export command.

slindo, I like your idea, but too technical for me.... I am an idiot.

[bodine]

> I can just burn cds

That will also work, if the old machine has a CD-R.

The reason I answered this as a transfer problem, and not an import/export one was because most email apps have an import built in. Which email app are you switching to?

There is also an application that allows you to import from your old machine-- I think it is an AppleScript...it's free...can't think of the name, though. Sorry. I used it once and it got most of the email and then crashed.

I used the import function of Mail.app and it worked fine. In a quick glance at it, it will import from OE. You will need to install OE on the new machine with all of your info, though. But, this will be a one time deal, and all of your email will be in Mail.app. Entourage should also import from OE. Eudora or other email apps...I don't know about.

[grnidone]

If you could dump the emails a text delimited file, then you could use any program and import them.

Here's a good list:

[emailman.com...]

[dogboy]

problem solved:)

the old machine only had 'export contacts', not export mail, so I started looking around...

went to Google, did a search on Outlook Express 4.5, found a download site, installed it in classic env., then I moved my 'OE User's' directory over, and BAM.... it was exactly how I left it on my old machine. simple as that.

the trick was not really needing to import them into something new.... I just needed occasional access if I needed them.

...so I'm done! everything is now on the new machine..... got the new dreamweaver, all my old mail, Fetch, all files, etc.... I just wiped the old drive, low level formatted it, zeroed all data and reinstalled.... ready for ebay!