Saving your ICQ list and message history

First off, how many times have you had to re format your computer? I see, and isn't it a pain when you have to re add every person on you icq list? I thought so, add you always wanted to keep the message history right? Well here's how you can save your list and not have to re add everyone.

Step #1

Before you format you will have to save one folder from your computer. Depending on what version of icq your using the folder name may change. If you're using ICQ 99 the folder will be called 99a and if your using ICQ 2000 the folder name will be 2000a. If for some reason you don't see either of them you can figure it out by looking in the folders and finding the files 11018856.dat, .idx, .msg and of course you replace 11018856 with your icq number.

Step #2

Now that you have that folder saved you can format  your computer. Once your back to the point of installing ICQ again, go through the install setting up your user and everything. Now comes the fun part. When you go to your icq folder you'll see the folder with you .dat, .idx and .msg files. At this point take your saved files and copy them into that folder. In other words replace the files.

Step #3

Now for the last step. go into your ICQ folder and you will see a file that looks like this
Run this file and it will ask you do you want to convert your database? Say yes and it will restore your list. This way you don't have to re ask everyone to add you. Plus you will have all of your messages from before.

P.S. If you burnt your files onto a CD there's one thing to remember. Putting the files on a cd will make the files read only. You will have to right click on the file and uncheck  (read only) otherwise you will get an error when you run the DBConvert.exe file.

Final note: If you are lost from all of this feel free to Email me and I'll help you along.