if i update my outlook express,where do all my old messages go and can i get them back

What do you mean by "update"?

by updatind to office 2007 from oe 6.
because when i changed laptops last year i lost all my old messages

Last year? Well, by waiting nearly 4 months, recovery may not be possible.

Also note, despite their similar names and functions, Outlook Express is not Outlook. They are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT email programs. Outlook Express came bundled free with Windows XP and earlier versions of Windows. Microsoft Outlook MUST be purchased separately from Windows, and comes in a stand-alone package, or comes with most versions of Office.

If the old laptop has been left unused, you may be able to export your old emails from OE, and import them to Outlook - see Import your messages or account from Outlook Express to Outlook.

thanks digerati
the link worked a treat.

Excellent and thanks for the followup.