skip to main content

Outlook backup files

19 years ago

Something weird is going on here and I'm hoping someone can help me with this. I went to the Recycle bin to empty it today and noticed I had a backup file of every one of my email folders in the recycle bin. I did not put them there. They were from the last several days on up through yesterday. The message that came up was this; C/Windows/Application

Data/Identities, then a looong number, then Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express

Type Bak File

I'm running W XP with IE7. I did a full system Norton scan plus a Ad Aware scan and came up clean. Does anyone have any idea what could have caused this? Should I leave the files there or restore them or just delete them? Appreciate any help! Ida

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mikie_gw
19 years ago
We must share some of the same windows updates. I have it too,, .bak files dated 12/24 for the most part, both OE and Newsgroups. So I went snooping for the why.

It was one of the new microsoft updates that started doing that for OE, I guess Outlook too.
You might recall seeing a windows system popup asking if you want to save space by compacting your mail database's ?

When you said OK - It's backed up all your .dbx files to the recycle bin in case something goes kafluie when compacting those files - Which could cause you to lose your messages.

You might want to search with the advanced feature checked for one of the main file names like inbox.* and see if it turns up in addition to inbox.bak - hopefully with a file of approx same size probablfy named inbox.dbx . before you clear your recycle bin.
idaf
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks Mikie! That is probably exactly what happened...I'm always getting these compact popups. But this is the first time I have noticed these backup files in my recycle bin. Probably a quirk of this new IE7 that I got without asking! Just another of those update things. One of these days, my computer will be full of nothing but updates! All my files are intact in my email folders, so I guess all is well. Other family members use my computer, so I keep all my important numbers and passwords in folders, and I could just imagine them being snooped in. Thanks again! Ida
Related Discussions
How to backup email
Q
Comments (1)
Okay, now I see my original post FINALLY made it 10 minutes later, so I'm sorry for the double posting.
...See More
Corrupted File? Western Digital Backup?
Q
Comments (4)
A corrupted file wouldn't do that, but a corrupted file system might. The drive may still be okay, but it's likely that the files on it are lost. Something like spinrite might be able to recover the files, or if you don't need to recover them, you can try reformatting to see if the drive is still usable.
...See More
Making a system Backup
Q
Comments (7)
Also of interest How to refresh, reset, or restore your PC Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1 If you're having problems with your PC, you can try to refresh, reset, or restore it. Refreshing your PC reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files and settings. It also keeps the apps that came with your PC and the apps you installed from the Windows Store. Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows but deletes your files, settings, and apps "except for the apps that came with your PC. Restoring your PC is a way to undo recent system changes you've made. Before you start to refresh or reset your PC In most cases, once you start to refresh or reset your PC, itÃ¢ÂÂll finish on its own. However, if Windows needs missing files, youÃ¢ÂÂll be asked to insert recovery media, which is typically on a DVD disc or thumb drive. If that happens, what youÃ¢ÂÂll need depends on your PC. If your PC came with Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, youÃ¢ÂÂll need the discs or thumb drive that came with your PC. Check the info that came with your PC to see if your PC manufacturer provided these discs or media. In some cases, you might have created them when you first set up your PC. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc
...See More
Want to stop Word files from creating automatic backup files
Q
Comments (3)
Maybe go to Options->Advanced and under Save, make sure "Always create backup copy" is not checked?
...See More
jane__ny
19 years ago
Glad for this post as I never even look in Recycle. I have it emptied automatically when I do CCleaner and disk clean-up. So far all my Outlook files are intact, but it's good to know that this is going on.
That's what makes reading this forum so helpful.
Thanks,
Jane
ritaotay
19 years ago
Ida, it had to have been one of the Windows updates but it wasn't the one for I.E. 7... I haven't installed it yet and I get the .bak files in my Recycle Bin every time I tell Outlook Express to compress the folders... I think someone down at MS is trying to drive us batty with all these little garbage thingies that really aren't doing anything important... LOL

Rita
laytia
19 years ago
Hi
So is it safe to delete these bak files from the recycle bin?
Many thanks for any help.

Related Stories

INSIDE HOUZZ How’s Your Business Doing? A Houzz Survey Shows a Positive Outlook

By Mitchell Parker

Revenues grew for 70 percent of home design professionals last year, and many are expecting continued growth

ORGANIZING 8 Steps to a Winning Filing System

By Laura Gaskill

When you streamline your paperwork and digital files for easy use and maintenance, it's an organizational triumph

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Ideas for a Spring Home Refresh

By Laura Gaskill

Focus your energy on a few key spots to recharge your living space and your outlook

GRAY Choosing Paint: How To Pick the Right Gray

By Kelly Porter

Which Version of Today's 'It' Neutral Is For You?

ORGANIZING Avoid the Great Paper Pileup

By Bneato Professional Organizing

Don't let unavoidable scraps cause a jam in your paperless system. These easy tips will keep your home office lanes clear

DREAM SPACES 9 Ways to Make Your Home Office Fabulous

By Lara Sargent

When your workspace is as unusually beautiful as these, inspiration and motivation are never placed on hold

MONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTS To-Dos: Your January Home Checklist

By Laura Gaskill

It’s time to lighten up, cozy up and get organized as we head into a new year

MOST POPULAR How to Create an Inventory, Whether You're Naturally Organized or Not

By Alison Hodgson

Documenting your home items is essential, even if disaster seems unimaginable. And it may be easier than you think

HOME OFFICES 9 Hacks for a Clutter-Free Home Office

By Natasha Saroca

Use these clever ideas to transform a chaotic study into one that’s more conducive to working

MOST POPULAR Organizing? Don’t Forget the Essential First Step

By Laura Gaskill

Simplify the process of getting your home in order by taking it one step at a time. Here’s how to get on the right path

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1