Returning to Outlook Express from Outlook 2003

[DeepBlueIT]

I migrated from Outlook Express 6 to Outlook 2003. I have been using the program for about a month and find it far too laborious and convoluted for my needs so want to return to Outlook Express.
Not so easy as OE6 was deleted from my PC (or appears to have been) by Outlook when it installed. When I try to re-install OE6 it says there is already a newer version installed and refuses to do anything.
I haven't tried uninstalling Outlook 2003 as I don't want to lose my existing mail.

Changing to Outlook 2003 was easy as it imported settings, mail etc automatically - is there an easy way to go the other way again ?

 

[comaboy]

OK,

First up, verify OE6 is still installed.

Either..
Start->Run, type "msimn" without the quotes and hit enter. OE6 should launch.
-or-
Navigate to \Program Files\Outlook Express - look for msimn.exe there.

Once OE6 is running, Just click File->Import and follow the wizard!

 

[DeepBlueIT]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. OE6 has disappeared, running msimn doesn't work and looking in the OE folder in Program Files reveals the remnants of an OE6 installation. When I installed Outlook there was no question of whether I wanted to remove OE6 but I did notice that immediately after the install that OE6 was gone.

I guess my main problem now is how to re-install OE6 when it keeps telling me that there is another (newer) version already installed.

 

[comaboy]

Strange. I've installed Office2003 a few times now and it's never fragged OE before. Could it a coincidence? Anyway, I'd suggest first looking in Control Panel. See if OE6 is listed in Add/Remove Programs. If it is, you'll have to "uninstall" it, and then re-install it. BTW, How are you trying to install it? I'm presuming you're going via MS-Download - you don't want to be installing from CD!

Also, just because your OE6 program files have been fragged the same may not be true of the registry entries. This is probably why Windows Installer thinks you've got the latest version. It may be worth checking for and removing any entries for OE6.

OBLIGITORY WARNING: BACK UP YOUR REGISTRY! You can serious f*** up your machine when you play with the registry. If you don't know what you're doing, DONT DABBLE! Having said that, as long as you're careful, don't be afraid to have a good look round. Microsoft gives the dire warnings of doom and mayhem to stop people finding out all sorts of interesting stuff, but it's not a place for the light-hearted or heavy-handed!

I'll also see if I can find some more specific info on the MSInstaller. There may be some files hanging around somewhere that's messing it up.

 

[DeepBlueIT]

Like you I have also installed and uninstalled Office2003 a few times and never had a problem however I have always left Outlook out, this was the first time I had installed the Outlook segment.
OE6 is not listed in Add/Remove Programs.
I was trying to install from a CD, haven't tried via an MS download.
I am OK with fiddling in the Registry and very aware of the potential consequences (had my fingers burnt once) so would backup the Registry first.
You say look for and delete any entries pertaining to OE6 ? I'd be grateful if you knew which file it is that tells the PC that OE6 is already installed.
I have just left home to return to work on my ship so unfortunately won't be able to actually do anything on the PC till I return home in a few weeks
Thanks again for your assistance, much appreciated

 

[comaboy]

I'll look up the locations you'll need. "(had my fingers burnt once)" um...join the club!

Interesting registry locations are
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express

If you've broadband, I'd also recommend downloading the latest version from microsoft.com - it's almost guaranteed to be patched since your last installation anyway, which should negate the versioning problem.

Happy travels and good luck!