There is an "auto archive" feature in the tools options of Outlook. I would suggest that
you set it to archive your emails to a flash drive at the earliest opportunity. Be sure the
flash drive is big enough. 4 GB flash drives are readily available and I doubt you need
one that big.
Set the auto archive drive to the flash drive, and the next backup interval to "right now" or
as close to that as you can get it. Then after it's done, back up any and all important
documents to the same flash drive if there's room left over, and then as a precaution
I would then copy the contents of the flash drive to a blank CD-R for an additional, and
more permanent, backup. Making two copies wouldn't do any harm.
I would advise against putting a drive with problems into the new machine. You don't
want to take the chance that it's got problems due to an undetected worm or virus that
may corrupt your new machine.
New computers are getting really inexpensive, even the higher models unless you go
for some insane gaming rigs, so you can get a pretty hot machine for less than your
current one originally cost you.
The two brands I would personally recommend are Gateway (which has the advantage of
using industry standard, NON-proprietary motherboards, so practically any upgrade or
accessory should work) and Dell, which has provided me with several good computers that
are very reliable, with good customer service, although their motherboards are
customized and somewhat proprietary. Not every accessory or upgrade is going to work
on a Dell, but you can trust the upgrades and accessories that Dell has tested and
approved. E-machines can be considered to be in the same range as Gateways, in
fact it's the same company and nearly the same computer. Differences are mostly
cosmetic between the two brands. E-machines are intended to be more "entry level"
for a little less money. Emachines desktops start at 298 dollars, Gateway desktops
start at 449 dollars, and Dells start at 269 dollars. And any of them will stomp your
old machine into the ground.
CJ