Re: Outlook Freezing on Launch

From: Kuay Tim (TimJohn_at_msn.com)
Date: 06/28/04 

Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 16:04:49 -0700

Hi Russ,

There are several reasons for Outlook Express not starting properly. You can
search for <*.dbx> to find the message store folder. It has all the DBX
files. Note that each identity has its own store folder.

There are a few reasons for Outlook Express not starting.

1. 3rd-party filtering software
The AVG anti-virus message scan plug-in can be a cause. Do not use this
feature. The A-V will still protect the PC.

2. Damage to a DBX file.
There is sometimes an error message, but when this is absent finding the
(possibly) bad DBX file becomes a guessing game. The problem could be with
Outbox.dbx, Sent Items.dbx, Inbox.dbx or other file. These can be renamed
one at a time. After renaming one try starting Outlook Express. (see below)
All the files can be moved from the store folder to a new "Mail Backup"
folder on the

desktop leaving the message store folder empty. This might allow Outlook
Express to start

if the problem is in one or more of the DBX files.

3. Corruption in the registry for the Outlook Express identity.
It is sometimes possible to create a new identity, and then import messages
from the old identity. This may not be an option.

4. Damage to the Outlook Express installed program.
Outlook Express may need to be reinstalled. Back-up the store folder holding
the DBX files before doing anything. Create a new folder on the desktop to
hold ALL the DBX files.

More Information

This behavior can occur if the client mail store contains a damaged .dbx
file. The damaged file is probably Outbox.dbx, Inbox.dbx, or Sent Items.dbx.

To resolve this behavior, remove the damaged .dbx file:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click
Windows Explorer.
2. In Windows Explorer, on the Tools menu, point to Find, and then click
Files or Folders.
3. You may need to include hidden files and folders (Windows 2000 and XP).
4. Type Outbox.dbx in the Named box, and then click Find Now.
5. Right-click the file name, and then click Rename.
6. Rename the file to Outbox.old. It is also safe to delete the file. A new
file will be created

when Outlook Express starts.

Note that deleting a .dbx file also deletes any e-mail messages or other
data in the folder.

OLEXP: How to Back Up and Recover Outlook Express Data

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;270670

Backup and Restore
http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows
XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378&Product=winxp

The second method works for Win 98 and other later Windows operating
systems. 

-- 
Tim K.
aka Kuay Tim
MVP - (IE/OE)
Lynnwood, WA
*
"Russ" <dknight37@aol.com> wrote in message
news:2264001c45d56$07530b30$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Just wanted if someone could offer some pointers on how
> to fix this.
>
> My OE which was working fine, is now suddenly freezing up
> on launch.  I don't know if it's because I have too many
> messages, or some other error, but any advice is
> appreciated.
>
> I would also like to know if someone knows how to access
> the folder it physically stores your messages in on the
> HDD. I haven't been able to locate it anywhere.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> -Russ

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Missing or Lost Folders in OE 6.0
    ... First the user has to search for *.dbx after enabling hidden files, file extensions, and then advanced search features for hidden files. ... Launch Outlook Express. ... Make a note of your current email folder location. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
  • Re: Outlook Freezing on Launch
    ... Note that each identity has its own store folder. ... >There are a few reasons for Outlook Express not starting. ... >bad DBX file becomes a guessing game. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
  • Re: MSOE.DLL help needed
    ... It is there and all dbx are archive-not-read-only and I tried everything visable on usenet, including installation of Internet Explorer 7. ... Outlook Express could not be started because Msoe.dll could not be initialized. ... If Outlook Express will not start, move the *.dbx files from your store folder and into a new empty folder ... OLEXP: Error Message: Outlook Express Could Not Be Started Because MSOE.DLL Could Not Be Loaded ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
  • Re: Outlook shows splash screen and fails to open
    ... This behavior can occur if the client mail store contains a damaged .dbx ... In Windows Explorer, on the Tools menu, point to Find, and then click ... be moved to a folder on the desktop. ... For example AVG anti-virus mail scan can prevent Outlook ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
  • Re: Lost email messages
    ... MS-MVP Outlook Express ... my sick gut tells me that I overwrote all the original messages in each OE folder with the contents imported from my Outlook folders. ... I don't know how or why you lost messages, but if the dbx files are in the new store folder there is nothing to import. ... Many of the messages are back in my OE, but many more are "missing" from the original dbx files that were in place, before I screwed this thing up! ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
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