How can I transfer Outlook Express / Windows Mail settings and contents etc, to Windows Live Mail?

Question

As a system reseller and support provider, I know that this is going to be a major factor for many home users. I know that Windows 7 does not have a mail client by default, and I know that home users will be expected to install Windows Live Essentials.
Windows Easy Transfer doesn't transfer emails, contacts etc from OE/WM (although it will transfer Outlook).
Therefore, what is the easiest way to migrate from OE/WM to WLM?

Answer 1

Here is the complete transfer procedure from OE to WLM:
MAIL BOXES EXPORT
1. Go to Outlook Express > Tools > Maintenance Tab > Store Folder.
2. Make a note of its location and navigate to it. If you haven't moved it, it's here C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express. You may have to show 'hidden' files in Folder Options to see it. Close Outlook Express.
3. Copy the whole folder (not just the .dbx files) to an external source. Remove any ‘Read only’ attributes via right-click > Properties.
As an alternative to 2 above, you could move the mail boxes to an ‘easier-to-get-at’ location, i.e. Open My Documents and create a folder named Mail Boxes. Now go to Outlook Express > Tools > Maintenance Tab > Store Folder > Change and type the location of the new folder, e.g. My Docs\Mail Boxes. Close Outlook Express. The store location is now easier to navigate to and it is not hidden.
CONTACTS EXPORT
Go to Outlook Express > File > Export > Address Book and select Comma Separated Values (CSV) > Export, select the fields you want or, for more safety, select all the fields and save it to an external device.
MAIL BOXES IMPORT
Go to Windows Live Mail > File (press Alt if the Menu Bar is not showing) > Import > Messages OE > Next > Browse to the location where they are stored and follow the wizard.
CONTACTS IMPORT
In Windows Live Mail > Click Contacts in the bottom left corner > Menus top right (or Alt+M) > Import > CSV (Comma Separated Values) and browse to the file you exported from Outlook Express.