A data processing system and method archive, retrieve, and store electronic messages in a communication system, such as the Internet. The data processing system and methodology convert electronic mail messages to HTML documents, or web pages to provide greater flexibility for users of the communication system. By storing electronic mail messages as web pages, each of the mail messages may become a page or a group of pages in a "web" using the HTML format. Alternatively, only a portion of the mail messages could be converted to an alternate format. During operation of the data processing system and methodology, individual pieces of electronic mail are assigned to a corresponding URL. The mail messages are then organized into categories of web pages, that may be accessed using the full capabilities of currently available and evolving network tools, such as browsers.