Outlook 2003 Will Not Import Outlook Express folders, mail, anything

Folks I have read the MS tech notes on how to get Outlook 2003 [I have it via Office 2003 Professional, full install] to import from OE6. It fails under either option: import from "another program" or "Import Internet Mail....". Under the former it is pointed to the correct folder, but fails with Error: Cannot open,.. another program in use" but there's not... I tried copying the folder to a nice clean location on the C: and checked all the properties, nothing interfering, still won't open the folder.
Under the latter option it just doesn't do anything after directing it to the correct folder. Seems to accept the command, closes the window, but does not import anything. No error messages.

Umm.... do MS teams communicate with one another??

Closely related: If I could just get the FOLDERS I had setup it would be a great asset, or if i could just get the ADDRESS book it would help. Do you know how to import *.dbx folders into Outlook 2003? Or the old outlook Express address Book?

thx

z

now why on earth would microsoft write KB's like How to upgrade from Outlook Express to Outlook 2010, to Outlook 2007, to Outlook 2003, or to Outlook 2002 AND build the feature into Outlook expressly for the task if it weren't possible??