Re: My Outlook Express is Broken

From: Kuay Tim (TimJohn_at_msn.com)
Date: 09/25/04 

Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:47:28 -0700

Hi Dave,

The next step would be to rename other DBX files likely to be the cause. It
may be better to just move all the files in the folder to a mail backup
folder on the desktop. After doing this be sure no files remain in the store
folder. New default files will be created in the message store when Outlook
Express starts. If all is well import the files now in the backup folder.

The second step would be to create a new identity and use the desktop folder
to import the files into the new identity.

General Information

There are many reasons for Outlook Express not starting or for other
problems that may or may not return an error message.

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)
To help prevent this issue
compact messages on a regular basis. This is most safely done in
offline mode when the files are not being written to. Do not set
Outlook Express to automatically compact messages in the background.

It is also recommended that messages be periodically removed from the Inbox.
A new Outlook Express folder can be created, or backup procedure performed
if ready access is not required. This will help prevent a corrupted Inbox
and help safeguard messages you wish to keep.

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 often Outbox.dbx, Inbox.dbx, or Sent Items.dbx,
but another file could be at issue.

To resolve this behavior, rename or delete 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.

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
*
"Dave D" <Dave D@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8D75772D-F8F6-4318-A44B-CFDF86FF282F@microsoft.com...
> I renamed the outbox.dbx to outbox.old and then went back into Outlook
> Express but it appears that i still have the same problems.
> Please can i have some more help to solve this problem as i've already
> missed 2 days email so far.
>
>
>
> "Dave D" wrote:
>
> > Thanks to both of you for your help,i'll try out what you say.
> >
> > "Michael Santovec" wrote:
> >
> > > You could have several different problems going on.
> > >
> > > 1) For the messages not downloading, check Tools, Accounts,
Properties, General.  Make
> > > sure that you have checked to Include this account when receiving
mail.
> > >
> > > 2 and 3) For the An error occurred sending mail and being unable to
view the Outbox folder
> > > are both likely caused by a corrupted Outbox folder.
> > >
> > > - Close Outlook Express.
> > > - OE5+: Locate the file outbox.dbx in the mail directory and delete
it.  You can use
> > > Start, Find (or Search), Files or Folders, outbox.dbx to find it.
> > > - Open Outlook Express again.  It will create a new empty Outbox.
> > >
> > >
> > > -- 
> > >
> > > Mike - http://pages.prodigy.net/michael_santovec/techhelp.htm
> > >
> > >
> > > "Dave D" <Dave D@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > news:CC94ABE4-74E9-48A6-88EC-FB1836799A17@microsoft.com...
> > > > Hi, can anyone help me please.
> > > > It appears my Outlook Express is broken.
> > > > When i press the send/receive button the grey box which shows the
messages
> > > > downloading just flicks on the screen for a fraction of a second and
then
> > > > disappears.
> > > > When i create an email and try to send it i get the message The
message
> > > > could not be sent,An error has occurred.
> > > > If i click on the Outbox i get the message Folder could not be
> > > > displayed,Outlook Express could not open this folder,possible causes
are: low
> > > > disc space Low memory. (It says that even though i have nothing in
the Outbox
> > > > folder).
> > > > I'm using Windows ME could somebody help please.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
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