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General discussion

Where did it all go!?

Dec 8, 2009 2:19PM PST

OK, I installed Windows 7. I understand the previous mail software is not part of the new OS but is all my data GONE? Address book? Recently received emails? GONE? I sure as hell hope not.
I'm not a fan of hotmail. What are the options now?
I had some very important emails in my 'inbox'..tell me there still on my computer somewhere.

Discussion is locked

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Upgrade or a clean installation??
Dec 8, 2009 7:16PM PST

If an upgrade, from which OS...XP or Vista? Same hard drive or different one? Whether or not you data is still there depends on how the installation was done. Viewing the data depends on what programs you previously used and if you have the same or compatible software with Win 7 installed.

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Where did it all go?!
Dec 8, 2009 11:31PM PST

My new computer came with Vista and a free offer to upgrade to Windows 7 when it launched. Vista didn't use Outlook Express, my previous email from XP. So, bottom line - Windows 7 disc came in the mail, I installed it and now all my previous data from the Vista mail seems to be gone.
Not good.

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Did the upgrade give you the option
Dec 8, 2009 11:43PM PST

to do a clean installation or just upgrade your existing OS? If so, which did you choose? I went from XP to Win 7 so options were limited but still no data loss. I'm fairly certain that OE uses the .eml extension for your email. Can you do a search for such files? If they exist, your email is still there and you just need a program that will use it or convert it.

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.eml files
Dec 9, 2009 1:52AM PST

I did a search for .eml files...none found.
Any other ideas?
What is a good email program?
Is my address book REALLY gone????

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Upgrade
Dec 9, 2009 2:17AM PST

"My new computer came with Vista and a free offer to upgrade to Windows 7 when it launched. Vista didn't use Outlook Express, my previous email from XP."

Not quite following this explanation of what happened. So your new computer came with Vista (Which version) and you installed the free upgrade to Windows 7? Did you get click happy and perform the installation or did you see a choice between clean (custom) installation or an upgrade installation? If so which way did you decide on?

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Vista email
Dec 9, 2009 2:52AM PST

I bought the computer at Staples in September. It came loaded with Vista. My previous computer crashed but the HD was still good. The teckie managed to load most of my files, pics and email stuff from that computer (XP) to the new one. The Vista was whatever was current in September I assume...I did a lot of Microsoft 'updates' when I first started it.
When I loaded Win7, I chose the option that said my files would be coming over with from Vista.
I think the fact that Win7 has NO email software meant that previous email account info is now gone, poof.
I was using Vista's email software..wish they had included some way of saving all my data in Win7. It appears that's not the case.

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Vista didn't use eml for contacts.
Dec 9, 2009 1:57AM PST
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My bad..
Dec 9, 2009 3:10AM PST

So embarrassing - all I had to do was go to All Programs, open Windows Live, Windows Live Mail and Win7 downloaded ALL my previous emails and address book.
Sorry for all the fuss. It was there, I just didn't know where to look.
Thanks for the help.

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Happens to the best of us
Dec 11, 2009 8:56AM PST