Export from WLM on XP … Import to Win 8 ?

Hi all

Apologies if this question has been asked loads of times already, but I can't see a response in this forum that exactly matches my query.

I am being forced to bite the bullet and switch from my trusty XP machine to a shiny new Win 8 machine. I use Windows Live Mail (V 2009, build 14.0.8089.0726), and I have a lot of mail in Storage Folders that I want to switch across. I have an external hard drive so the plan is to export the storage folders (inc contents) to that, and import them onto the new machine. What do I have to do to make that work ? I don't yet have the new PC, I'm just trying to ensure I know how to do it and can  export the data correctly before struggling with the new world (to me) of Win 8.

I'm not fussed about the folders in each of the email accounts because these are all on the email provider's servers and will sync when I create the new accounts on the new machine. The issue is with the local storage folders. I think I've exported the folders & contents, using WLM's File>Export>messages and using the WLM export format.

What I'm not sure about is whether I'm going to be able to import that into the Win 8 Mail app. I'd been assuming that would be easy, but skimming this forum seems to suggest that Win 8 is somehow different and it's going to be a lot of faff. Can't actually try it and see 'cos I don't have a new machine yet, just ensuring I know the procedure beforehand.

Also, when exporting Contacts, is it best to use the .vcf format or .csv ?

Thanks in advance