Extracting hidden files from an old drive

Hi,

I have backed up all the files and emails from a faulty hard drive before inserting a new one and setting up Windows on it.

However, because the drive was in such a bad way, I did't run Outlook to extract the email account settings - and now realise that these are hidden in the registry. I have tried importing the registry files (after doing some research on this), but cannot find the registry section which contains it.

Now that the the new drive is fully running (apart from the email account settings) - Windows Vista upgraded to Windows 7 - would it be too risky to re-insert the drive in the laptop to run Outlook and get the settings recorded ? I am concerned that it will cause error messages when I re-insert the brand new drive.

I have thought about booting up a computer from the faulty drive, but think it may refuse to load because it's a different PC to one it came out of (Dell XPS M1530) - is this the case ?

I would really appreciate your advice as soon as possible.

Regards,
Julia

Hi Julia

I might be able to help you.

A few questions first
What version of Outlook (2007, 2010 or something else) for both the old install and the new (if they are different)?
What exactly do you need from the old install (accounts and logins, old mail, custom settings)?
How are you accessing the old disk?

James

NOTE: MODS MAY WANT TO MOVE THIS THREAD TO THE "Web Browsing/Email and Other Internet Applications" SUBFORUM

Also the only reason you would need the registry files is if you are trying to move the entire installation of the old drive to the new one?

All you need from the outlook perspective is the .pst files, and for that there is no need for the registry.

I need the email account settings.

My research shows there are only 1 way of accessing them without being able to run Outlook from Windows on the drive in question - accessing the registry as that's where they're stored.

The email and all files were copied to an external drive whilst the laptop was running Linux from a CD, as the laptop would only run Windows for 10 minutes maximum at one time (before locking up).

Please can you advise the best way forward.

Regards,
Julia

The email account settings can easily be derived from your ISP's website or by simply calling them.

Hi

If all you need are the login/password and mail server information, can't you get that from the administrator of your mail server?
For example, if it is an account with your ISP like name@comcast.com then you would call Comcast or visit their support site for the information.

If it is just a matter of getting the password, let us know more details of where the account is and we can help you find a way to reset or retrieve your password.

James

EDIT: Oops I see Cryptodan beat me to it

See this link http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/setting-up-outlook-2010/