Accessing a backup messages file

[Ross Langmead]

Title: Accessing a backup messages file

I wish to temporarily access my backup copy of the Messages file normally kept in my Main Identity folder in System/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2001 Identities.  But it seems Entourage can relate to only one Messages file at a time.

Is the following the only way to do it?  I move out the current Messages file, replace it with the backup copy renamed to plain "Messages", open Entourage, drag all the messages I want onto the desktop or somewhere, quit Entourage, move out the backup copy and rename it as a backup, replace the original Messages file in its right place, start Entourage, and drag the messages from the desktop into the right window panes.

Is there an easier way?

Also, have others successfully stored their user data elsewhere than in the system folder?  I tried it using aliases, following assurances in Entourage Help ("About where Entourage stores user data"), but couldn't get it to work.  Maybe I didn't do it right.

I use OS9.1 on a G4 PowerBook.

Thanks,

Ross Langmead