Hi Threader
Welcome to the forum
The fastest way to do this is by:
1. Start Outlook Express.
2. Click Tools, and then click Options.
3. On the Maintenance tab, click Store Folder.
4. The store folder will show you the location of where all your emails are stored.
Example of email location:
C:\Documents and Settings\yourusername\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{3E790C58-DB09-4AC4-A741-AB9C2E7EDBBC}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
Copy the Outlook Express folder and save it to a usb stick and may be email a copy to yourself so you have two backups.
When you have formatted your hard drive, you can copy the backup copy and paste it so it over writes the new Outlook Express Folder
Hope this helps
Thank