I can't import a backed up evolution settings file

I was having problems I concluded might have been a bad installation, so I decided to reinstall Ubuntu 9.10. I made a backup of my email settings using Evolution: evolution-backup.tar.gz

I assumed it would save all my contacts and emails, along with the account settings.

After I reinstalled Ubuntu, I went to set up the Evolution accounts and chose to restore the backup -- an option given when you first open Evolution. Although I had copied the backup file to the new desktop, Evolution didn't recognize it as a backup file.

So I reinstalled the three email addresses I have, and opened Evolution. Then I tried to "import" the backup file. But, again, Evolution wouldn't accept it. After I posted a bug message, I got the suggestion to copy the file to my 'home root directory.' I wasn't sure what that was about, because I was working within the Evolution program, not at the command level -- I understood root directory instructions to be command level stuff from my distant past in DOS.

Anyway, I did copy the file to the Home folder, but got no better results.

I just want to get my emails and contacts.