Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Outlook Express locks up on certain Email

Oct 31, 2006 4:03AM PST

I have an email in my inbox that will not delete! I can't open it or anything. It is from a friend of mine, so I am almost positive it is not infected. I have adaware, spybot and avg all on my system updated and have ran scans--nothing found. I have tried to delete the email in front and behind it while all three are selected and it locks up oe. I have booted into safe mode to delete it--locks up oe. As soon as you click on the email it locks it up--will not even open it. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks....oh I'm running Win XP and OE 6.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Create a new mail folder...
Oct 31, 2006 4:17AM PST

and call it something like new_inbox.

now, copy or move ALL the emails EXCEPT the one giving problems into that new mail folder.

once that is done simply close Outlook Express then DELETE the old Inbox.dbx which is the database file that contains your messages as records.

You can locate your Inbox.dbx file while Outlook Express is open bt clicking the Tools menu then the Options then in the window that opens select the Maintenance tab. On that tab you will see a button labeled Store Folder. If you click the button a small window pops up showing you the full path to the directory containing the *.dbx files. Another way to locate it is to simply perform a file search of your computer for the inbox.dbx then delete it when found.

When you next open Outlook Express it will create a new Inbox for you and you can simply move the files you originally moved into the new folder back into your inbox folder.

Problem should be solved.

- Collapse -
You're awesome! :)
Oct 31, 2006 6:52AM PST

I had thought about that, but wasn't sure to delete it in the registry or on the hard drive. THANKS it did work!
YOU'RE AWESOME! Grin Grin
You just fixed my irritation.

- Collapse -
Thank you a MILLION TIMES
Mar 1, 2011 2:34AM PST

Your suggestion worked!! I am so thrilled, if I could reach through this computer and give you a hug, I would!!! You saved my butt big time!!! Thank you Thank You Thank you!!!

- Collapse -
Reply Button Locks Up OE
Feb 16, 2014 1:50AM PST

You really know your stuff. My problem is somewhat like this one. My OE 6 locks up when I hit the reply or reply all buttons. I went to the folder path you suggested to see what I could see. It was C:\Documents and Settings\Ron Stone\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{F7E4AC05-F943-4BAF-A262-E57F44988A4C}\Microsoft\Outlook Express but there is nothing in the F7E4AC05-F943-4BAF-A262-E57F44988A4C folder. It was empty. I am running Windows XP. Also receiving is fine and sending is fine but not through the reply buttons. Thanks in advance.

- Collapse -
I guess you know XP support ends 4/8/14
Feb 16, 2014 2:30AM PST
- Collapse -
This looks like a job for Thunderbird.
Feb 16, 2014 3:32AM PST

Thunderbird can import your OE email and if you ever move to Apple, Linux, or a new windows you can take what you have without worry.
Bob

- Collapse -
Nice Point
Feb 16, 2014 5:36AM PST

Hi Bob,
Interesting suggestion. I was considering Thunderbird as I only use Firefox and really like it, particularly for the add-ons. However I couldn't tell if I could import my OE info. You info was very helpful. Looks like Thunderbird here I come. Thanks very very much!!