New
#1390
Ron, I do not know if they are different. I also do not know if they are the same.
I do know that questions posted on this tutorial about this tutorial are the only ones I will address. If someone uses another version, I have no way of knowing what that version does. I don't own that version nor can I modify it if something needs to be addressed in the tutorial.
Besides that, an ambiguus reference to a drop box zip could send a user anywhere.
I appreciate your warehousing the tutorial while it was MIA, but the official page is again part of sevenforums tutorial section. Let's try to keep people on one path.
Bill
Dear Sirs, I followed your first version of this tutorial on Windows 7 since 2011 and it worked fine, I really appreciate your efforts.
I used to make "Windows Mail Store folder" in a partition other than the operating system, so if my system crashed "store folder" will not be affected.
In my procedure I copied "Mail store folder" from Vista x32 to Win7 x32, then ran through your instructions, and when I launched Windows mail I changed store folder to the location where I copied it from Vista, I had only to enter user name and password.
Now I am going to move to new PC which comes with Win7 x64 pre installed.
I will follow your latest instructions for x64, but what I am afraid of is when I copy mail store folder from Win7 x32 to Win x64 something will crash, something which is not reversible.
So would you please advise if this procedure is save, or you don't recommend it.
Thanks in advance
Best regards
By store folder you mean this folder right?
C:\Users\(yourname)\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail
Since you are just gong to 'copy/paste' that folder from one OS to another then you will still have the original, and so in that case you cannot lose anything nor affect the source in your test.
Even though I prefer to leave the location of the folder default as above, I routinely switch that folder out in a number on instances between Vista, or Windows 7, or Windows 8 with full success every time, but must admit I've only done it within 32 bit, however I don't think within that folder there are any 'bit' conscious files anyway, just data, and so I don't think you will have any problem whatsoever; but again you still have the original as long as you just copy/paste, and so you have nothing to lose in your test.
fwiw, discussing the longevity of what you are doing with your store folder like that, is that I've seen the store folder become corrupted before and so relying just on the one store may not be foolproof over time. If you don't use any backup via partition images that you can just restore a dated store folder if problems arise, then instead for a good backup you can just make a zip or rar of that store folder above occasionally (like once a week or whatever is right for your usage) keep it stored on a stick or similar, this way if your store folder was ever to become corrupted in any way, you just delete the current folder and unzip/rar your backup folder in its place.
Also keeping a copy of your store folder allows you great flexibility, like for instance testing your 64 bit install with immunity of hurting the source store folder. (for gp though, after you have WM setup on the 64 bit but before you replace its store folder, zip/rar it Before you make the move, that way you always have a way back to square one. Also importantly every time removing/deleting the folder you are replacing, not just a copy into, and overwriting files; as well again save what you delete for a way back till you are sure.
Even though your question is not exactly a part of the subject matter or intent of this tutorial, and I don't want to stray from the tutorials purpose, however your subject does have its merit. I still recommend to leave the store folder in its default location though, and for backup if you don't use imaging, then a simple zip of the folder occasionally can prove more than valuable when the need arrises.
As endeavor said: You'll be fine.
Note however that comments made about the previous versions of the tutorial are still there, but only have historical value.
If you do have an issue reinstating WinMail, make a new post and someone will assist you.
Don't try to wade through all of the old posts looking for an answer - that will only make it more difficult.
The current tutorial has been tested and is considered safe. Follow ONLY the steps on the main page found here and you should be set up in no time. The steps in the tutorial have no bearing on your procedure of moving the location of the message store.
FWIW, I think alaamostafa15's concern is copying the store folder from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit system.
Ok, thanks.
As long as retains an original copy of the message store I think it will go well.
The worst thing might be that alaamostafa15 would have to import msgs and contacts instead of simply changing the location of the message store.
It was a great question, thanks for pointing it out Ron.
This tutorial only covers reinstating WinMail. Calendars and Contacts are covered elsewhere.
Still I believe the msgstore will be fine. But I wouldn't have thought about the ancillary features.
So what's the verdict?
I forget if you're updating the same machine to x64 or a different one
If it's the same machine, back it up entirely or make an image
then
Update to x64
edit: Run Windows Update until nothing is offered.
SP1 is required for the tutorial
Run through the tutorial
Go through your "change location" process
provide feedback if it failed or succeeded
Thanks
Last edited by Slartybart; 18 Jan 2014 at 18:29.