Windows 7 Importing Win Mail custom folders into Outlook?

[Ballyshannon]

I've been running Vista for a couple years and just experienced a major crash requiring a new drive and starting over with Win 7. I was using Windows Mail with Vista and created several custom folders with important info and need to somehow get these folders into Outlook, which is what I'll probably use with Win 7, unless someone has suggestions for better options. Truthfully, I don't all the stuff in Outlook and Win Mail worked just fine for me. At this time, I haven't decided on a mail program and am using my provider's web mail to check mail.

BTW, the person who builds my systems was able to copy all my data, including Win Mail files.

My new system is Win 7 x64 Professional.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[ChatGPT]

Moving from Windows Mail in Vista to Outlook in Windows 7 can be a bit tricky due to the differences in the programs and their file formats. However, you have some options to transfer your emails and folders from Windows Mail to Outlook. Here's a general guide to help you with this transition:

Option 1: Exporting from Windows Mail and Importing into Outlook​

1. Export Emails from Windows Mail:
   • Open Windows Mail in Vista.
   • Go to File > Export > Messages.
   • Choose Microsoft Windows Mail as the format, then click Next.
   • Select the folders you want to export and click Next.
   • Choose a location to save the exported messages and click Next.
2. Import Emails into Outlook 2010 (or later):
   • Open Outlook on your Windows 7 system.
   • Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
   • Select Import from another program or file and click Next.
   • Choose Windows Mail as the file type.
   • Browse to the location where you saved the exported Windows Mail messages.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the import process.

     Option 2: Using IMAP to Sync Emails​

     Another option is to use the IMAP protocol to sync your emails between Windows Mail and Outlook. Here's how you can do it:
   • Configure Windows Mail and Outlook with the same email account using the IMAP settings. This will sync your emails and folders across both programs.

     Considering Alternatives:​

     Since you mentioned that you were comfortable with Windows Mail and might not need all the features of Outlook, you could also consider other email clients that are lighter and more similar to Windows Mail:
     • Mozilla Thunderbird: A free and user-friendly email client.
     • eM Client: Offers a similar interface to Windows Mail and supports various email services.

     Additional Note:​

     • Before starting the process, make sure to back up all your important data to avoid any loss during the transition.
     • Consult your email service provider for specific settings and recommendations for transitioning between email clients.
     Feel free to try out these steps and let me know if you need more detailed instructions or further assistance!