recovering dbx files

i backed up my outlook express files onto cd. however, when i tried to import these into outlook express from cd, i got the message there are no files in that location, or there is an application open that is using the files. i’ve tried renaming thefolder with the .dbx files and copying them onto my hard drive, but with no luck. can anyone assist. also, if this is successful, is there any way of importing mail from outlook express into lotus notes.