loss of outlook express mail accounts with outlook XP installation

[M.]

Hi there..

Some time ago I didn't have Outlook (didn't install it as
part of Office XP Pro w/Front Page) and only used Outlook
Express to manage my multiple hotmail accounts.

When the need arose to add Outlook onto my system (not an
as email program - but for customer training)..
I discovered that all the accounts, settings, and most
importantly all the emails that I had downloaded from my
hotmail accounts were now gone from Outlook Express.

I often receive an error in Outlook stating:
"A recently installed program may cause Microsoft Office
or other e-mail-enabled programs to function improperly.
Outlook can resolve this conflict without affecting the
program that originally caused the problem. Do you want
Outlook to resolve this problem?"

I have so far selected no, but I believe that that may be
some conflict with Outlook Express that has caused my info
to vanish.

1. How do I recover this information/files/etc - if it is
possible to do so? I can't locate any file where this
info could be stored on my local machine.

2. How do I prevent it from happening again? Is there a
backup option for Outlook Express?

Thanks.
M.
(also posted on the Outlook Express message board)