Use the 'Open' button to browse your file system, and locate the (PST) or (OST) data file. (If you have never backed up your data file, or don't know where to find it. View the section on 'How to Locate or Create a Backup')

Once you have located and opened a saved archive file or if you intend on using an existing data file, the app will read and populate the view with folders and the number of messages within a folder for your review. (Please note though, if you choose to use an existing active data file you will need to close the email app before attempting to load the file.)

You can either use the app or your PC to locate and open the "Mail Control Panel" (Figure 1). Use the 'View->Outlook Settings' menu option within the app, or use the 'Start' button on your PC and type 'mail' to search for any available options.

The 'Mail Setup' (Figure 2) dialog should appear. Select the 'Data Files' button, which will open the 'Account Settings' (Figure 3) dialog containing a list of emails with their associated data files and locations.

From there you can go further and select the 'Settings' option above the list to open another dialog (Figure 4) that will give you more control over your archive file.

Depending on your email software version, creating a backup varies from app to app.

Example: with Outlook® 2010 to set up an archive use the 'File->Cleanup Tools->Archive' option.

Once you have loaded your backup file for review, select any of the named folders that are available by clicking on the name.

If the folder contains any saved emails, they will populate within the Email list section.

Click on any of the emails (if available for the selected folder) and the email contents will appear within the preview area of the app.

Extract and read backups of emails that you've previously saved. Edit, or add new content to the email by typing new notes or contents, and then save a new version for your records to your disk.

Once you have selected an email from the 'email list' section, the 'email content view' will populate with the original data from the archive file.

The app allows for changes to be made to the 'email content view' within the preview area, and will not affect the original archive file data in anyway. That is, if you choose to change any information.

So, if you have made any changes and would like a copy, or simply need a copy of the original email.

Use the 'Export' button located above the content area and choose a location as well as a format for the export.

If the archived email contains any attachments, an icon will appear in the message description box.

Also, above the email preview section the 'Attachments' button will be enabled. Clicking the button will open the 'Attachments Manager' dialog as shown here for your review.

To save attachments that are listed, click the 'Save' button that is associated with attachment name. From there you will have the option of saving the file with a new name anywhere on your local disk.