I wish to temporarily access my backup copy of the Messages file normally kept in my Main Identity folder in System/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2001 Identities. But it seems Entourage can relate to only one Messages file at a time.
Is the following the only way to do it? I move out the current Messages file, replace it with the backup copy renamed to plain "Messages", open Entourage, drag all the messages I want onto the desktop or somewhere, quit Entourage, move out the backup copy and rename it as a backup, replace the original Messages file in its right place, start Entourage, and drag the messages from the desktop into the right window panes.
Is there an easier way?
Also, have others successfully stored their user data elsewhere than in the system folder? I tried it using aliases, following assurances in Entourage Help ("About where Entourage stores user data"), but couldn't get it to work. Maybe I didn't do it right.
I use OS9.1 on a G4 PowerBook.
Since the messages and cache files are related I would think you are headed for some problems with your method.
This is what I suggest. Store old messages as another identity. Each Identity is stored in a folder inside the Office 2001 Identities folder.
When you select “Switch Identity”, you can select to rename an identity. Select a name that will identify your organization method.
Before renaming the identity I suggest you make a duplicate of the identity so you will not have to recreate all your folders, accounts etc. Entourage should recognize any name changes you make in the folder so you should not have to even use “Rename” when you switch.
You also might want to delete messages in the original identity after you create the backup.
Tip: If there are any messages in the future that you want to move from one identity to another, just drag the messages to the desktop. They will be stored in the MBOX format. You can switch identities and drag then back into the folder list.
HTH,
Diane
