Mac Forum / Applications / Outlook Express / August 2003

I accidently deleted my Microsoft User Data and Identity folders.  I
had a vast amount of old emails stored there.  Is there any way I can
recover them.  I have not saved anything new to the disc, so all the
old data is there, it's just finding a way to re-establish the link.

Using Norton System Works I was able to recover the OE 5.02 data files
of 30-40 MB in size (there are about 7 large files and 10 or so small
one under 1K) to a different hard drive.

When I try to rename or use them in the current Identity file, OE
crashes.  Obviously, the data has been recovered, but I don't know how
to re-link it or make OE recognize the files.  Since they are
proprietary OE files, I cannot read them with other text readers.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions for  being able to read these
recovered files?

Thanks.