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How to Backup Email from Windows Live Mail

  author
Leena Taylor Paul   
Updated: Backup • 7 Min Read

Summary: To backup email from Windows Live Mail, export your messages as EML files using Windows Live Mail’s export feature. Go to File, then Export email, then Email Messages, choose EML format, and select a destination folder. Alternatively, export the entire store folder containing your .eml and .dbx files to an external drive for a full backup.

Windows Live Mail stores email in individual EML files inside a local folder. Backing them up involves exporting those files or copying the entire mail store to a safe location.

Some restrictions on backing up email from Windows Live Mail

Backing up the emails may not be as easy as it seems. First, the account doesn’t have such an option that allows you to backup emails to another account or platform directly.

However, if you have Windows Live Mail files on your desktop and are not configured with the account, this is considered more of a problem as there is no way to forward the emails as you might have while configuration with the account.

The only thing you can do is send them as attachments, which might not be a good decision because they still won’t open without a supported application.

Now we know what things don’t work when you need to backup email from Windows Live Mail. So if we eliminate such discussed condition, the only option is to use an alternate solution that will allow emails from Windows Live Mail to be backed up.

A Reliable Solution to Backup Email from Windows Live Mail

The application that we will offer is the most suitable solution for this task. It’s the most reliable and all in one solution. Why we call it an all-in-one solution because it has so many file saving options that you can choose to backup email from Windows Live Mail.

4n6 Email Converter is the application that is popular with its unique features and file storage options such as;

  • PDF, HTML, CSV and Text
  • PST, MBOX and also EML
  • And also all email clients supported by IMAP

You can choose any of the all storage options for different type of need.

  • If you need a replacement that makes it easy for you to view Windows Live Mail email, you can access document files
  • However, if you need a replacement that allows you to access your email from anywhere, you can set up an email account
  • If you want to open the Windows Live Mail emails for the successor of the account, you can opt for the email files like PST

Now is the time to know how this tool works and how to select these files while backing up emails from Windows Live Mail. To do this, you need to take a look at the guide as it will help you familiarize yourself with the process.

Procedure for Backing up Email from Windows Live Account

  • Download the Windows Live Mail Backup Tool on your device where your account is set up

  • Now install the tool by accepting some conditions and choosing the location. And then click on the tool to finally launch it
  • Click the Open tab and then Desktop Email Clients and select Windows Live Accounts
Note: If you are not set up with the account, you must click Choose folder
  • Once you select the account, all the Live Mail data will be uploaded to the left panel of the tool; if you need, you can also view Windows Live emails.
  • Now click Export and then select Email Service to backup emails to cloud based account
  • Enter the backup email address and password and then click the Save
Tip: If you need to backup email from Windows Live Mail for offline access. You need to choose the document files. After selecting the preferred file, you need to browse the location for the resultant files and then press the save button.

What next now? If all these things about the tool is not enough for you then let us give you some more about the tool

Know More About the Tool

Bulk Email Backup: Windows Email Backup Tool is not restricted by any data size; it won’t require you to backup Windows Live email in many parts. With this app it is just a onetime task, no matter how much data you have, you only need to go through the process just one time.

Allow you to backup specific emails: If you’re not prompted with all emails in your account, and you only need emails from a particular time period or email address, this app can help. As by going to the search function, you can apply the filters.

Backup Windows Live emails without account setup: If you are not set up with the account and only have Windows Live Mail files on your device. You can also backup them by choosing the files from device,  in order to perform the backup.

Compatibility and Capability: This Windows Live Mail backup tool is compatible with all versions of Windows. And on the other hand, it does not require the support of any other application to fully accomplish the task. It is independent can accomplish the task alone.

In Conclusion

Windows Live Mail Backup Tool has proven to be the best application to backup email from Windows Live Mail. Because of these features and all the storage options that it offers. So if you want a convenience while doing the task, you can go for this app

Common Errors When Backing Up Windows Live Mail

  • Export creates empty folders with no EML files: The email account may be using IMAP and messages are stored on the server only. Switch to a POP3 account or download messages locally before exporting.
  • Exported EML files will not open: EML files require a compatible email client to open. Use Outlook, Thunderbird, or a dedicated EML viewer to access them after backup.
  • Windows Live Mail crashes during export of large folders: Very large folders can cause instability. Export in smaller batches by selecting a subset of messages at a time.
  • Backup folder is missing from the export destination: Windows Live Mail may silently fail if the destination path is on a network drive. Use a local drive path as the export destination.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where does Windows Live Mail store emails on the hard drive?
A: The default storage path is C:Users[Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftWindows Live Mail. You can copy this folder directly as a backup.

Q: Can I import Windows Live Mail backup into Outlook?
A: Yes. Import the EML files into Outlook using a drag-and-drop or an EML import tool. Outlook does not natively support direct EML import, so a third-party tool may be needed.

Q: Does the EML export preserve email attachments?
A: Yes. EML files are self-contained and include all attachments and inline content from the original message.

Q: Is Windows Live Mail still supported on Windows 10 and 11?
A: Windows Live Mail is discontinued and not officially supported on Windows 10 or 11. Migrating to Outlook or another client is recommended before backing up.

Q: Can I backup Windows Live Mail contacts too?
A: Yes. Go to Contacts in Windows Live Mail, then export contacts as CSV or vCard using the Export option under the toolbar menu.

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