Access the stored message file
 

I would like to access my stored message file and don’t know how. Can someone give me directions

I don't even know where the stored message file is. Sorry.

At the very top of the page, click on My Profile. You can then click on latest posts, started thread, etc., if I am understanding what you are looking for.

i also don't understand the question.

The only way I know to access your inbox and sent messages (if I understand the question), is to click on your profile, and then click on send private message. This should make the message page pop up. Look in the left column for your inbox and sent items.
Hope this helps

Maybe this is the answer?

One way to "empty" the personal message box is by downloading Personal Messages via one of three ways (tiny print near bottom of PM page) - XML, CSV, or Text.

Because I have no idea what any of those are , I downloaded a group of messages all three ways.

Anyway -

For me to access these messages - on my computer, which is an iMac from 2014 -

I go to

Finder
Downloads
the "privatemessages" file - open the file - and scroll through the messages

Could someone explain what SML, CSV, and Text mean - and why one or the other would be a preferred way to save messages?

i don't know what SML is.
CSV is best if you want to open the file in a spreadsheet program.
text is just that. everything from each message on one line with no delimiters.

when emptying your messages don't forget you have to do the inbox and sent box separately.