Kevin J. Nielsen wrote:

> It is my understanding that the only way I would risk corruption is if I
> wait too long between compacting OE messages. If I never compact OE at
> all, I have no risk of corruption.

That's not correct AFAIK - many problems in OE with regard to corrupt
folders and loss of data seem to be caused precisely BECAUSE the user did
not compact on a regular basis....

"Gordon" <gbplinux******.com.invalid> wrote

many problems in OE with regard to corrupt folders and loss of data seem to
be caused precisely BECAUSE the user did not compact on a regular basis....


Alright but that still leaves doubt. Saying problems are caused because
users dont compact regularly could mean either they waited too long to
compact and when they did, it caused corruption. Or it could mean that the
user never compacted at all and that caused the corruption.

Which is it? Either the problem was caused by compacting messages after
waiting a long time; or corruption occured when the user never compacted
messages.

To me, the statement: "many problems in OE with regard to corrupt folders
and loss of data seem to be caused precisely BECAUSE the user did not
compact on a regular basis" says that if you are going to compact, do it
regularly or risk corruption.


Keven

Kevin J. Nielsen wrote:

> "Gordon" <gbplinux******.com.invalid> wrote
>
> many problems in OE with regard to corrupt folders and loss of data seem
> to
> be caused precisely BECAUSE the user did not compact on a regular
> basis....
>
>
> Alright but that still leaves doubt. Saying problems are caused because
> users dont compact regularly could mean either they waited too long to
> compact and when they did, it caused corruption.

The usual cause of corruption when compacting is the user interrupting
it.....

> Or it could mean that
> the user never compacted at all and that caused the corruption.

if the dbx files are allowed to get too big, then the probability of them
corrupting grows. Also you should NOT store data in the default OE folders
(Inbox, sent items) as these too have a high propensity for corrupting.
When messages are deleted from an OE folder, the space that they occupied is
still there. Compaction removes that space, so the dbx file becomes leaner
and not bloated.

Although I do not now use OE, I never had any problems with either data loss
or corruption, or with the compacting process. if you are truly worried
about it, then I suggest you investigate something like Mozilla Thunderbird
as an alternative...

Compacting removes the space previously occupied by deleted messages, IF
you don't compact the file size will continue to grow until it becomes
inaccessible.

Compact the file OR suffer the consequences. Your choice.

Kevin J. Nielsen wrote:

> "Gordon" <gbplinux******.com.invalid> wrote
>
> many problems in OE with regard to corrupt folders and loss of data seem to
> be caused precisely BECAUSE the user did not compact on a regular basis....
>
>
> Alright but that still leaves doubt. Saying problems are caused because
> users dont compact regularly could mean either they waited too long to
> compact and when they did, it caused corruption. Or it could mean that the
> user never compacted at all and that caused the corruption.
>
> Which is it? Either the problem was caused by compacting messages after
> waiting a long time; or corruption occured when the user never compacted
> messages.
>
> To me, the statement: "many problems in OE with regard to corrupt folders
> and loss of data seem to be caused precisely BECAUSE the user did not
> compact on a regular basis" says that if you are going to compact, do it
> regularly or risk corruption.
>
>
> Keven
>
>
>
>
>

X-post to OE General newsgroup.

> It is my understanding that the only way I would risk corruption is if I
> wait too long between compacting OE messages. If I never compact OE at
> all,
> I have no risk of corruption.

Think again, Kevin. See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/...orruption.mspx

> Are you guys going to keep hekling me or does someone have an anwer to my
> question

Your question has been answered. To disable Compact Count from being reset
to 0 (zero) after compacting manually, uninstall KB923694. To disable
Automatic Compacting, uninstall WinXP Service Pack 2.
--
~PA Bear

Kevin J. Nielsen wrote:
> It is my understanding that the only way I would risk corruption is if I
> wait too long between compacting OE messages. If I never compact OE at
> all,
> I have no risk of corruption.
>
> That is exactly what I would like to do.. Never compact my messages. I
> wish
> to never risk my messages at all. I have plenty of HD space and I am not
> worried about the space requirements, I simply want to have a choice.
>
> Are you guys going to keep hekling me or does someone have an anwer to my
> question
>
> "PA Bear" <PABearMVP******.com> wrote in message
> news:ufjrLVVdHHA.4188@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> ...I could start uninstalling the updates until the problem goes away.
>>
>> It's not a problem, it's behavior you dislike.
>>
>> If you want to risk corruption of your OE store (possible loss of some or
>> all of your messages) and run a much-less secure version of OE, go right
>> ahead and do that, Keven/Kevin. You'd be cutting off your nose to spite
>> your face IMHO.
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>> Kevin J. Nielsen wrote:
>>> Thank you for your response. It is nice to know I can compact manually
>>> if I
>>> want to. However, I would still like the decision to be mine. I wish to
>>> have a choice but Microsoft gives me no choice. I guess it was in one
>>> of
>>> the updates I received from Microsoft. Thank you, that gives me a clue,
>>> I
>>> could start uninstalling the updates until the problem goes away.
>>>
>>> "You Know Who ~" <you.know.who@att.net> wrote in message
>>> news:O6xqSpNdHHA.4516@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> Microsoft went to this because people didn't compact space as they
>>>> should
>>>> have. You either let things go too long (in which case you should get
>>>> the
>>>> message) or you have enourmous space requirements (do you keep ALL of
>>>> your
>>>> emails?). The prudent thing to do is to compact periodically, manually
>>>> before the message screams at you to do something you should have
>>>> already
>>>> done.
>>>> "Kevin J. Nielsen" <keven@5smalldogs.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:ekz45fNdHHA.2332@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Every time I close Outlook Express, I get the following message: "to
>>>>> free
>>>>> up disk space, outlook express can compact messages."
>>>>>
>>>>> I have read about this and I understand it does not diminish the
>>>>> integrity of my messages.
>>>>>
>>>>> However, the problem I have is that I cannot stand it when programs
>>>>> like
>>>>> this keep bugging me relentlessly until I do what they want me to do.
>>>>> I
>>>>> want to have the choice to say yes or no. This program does not give
>>>>> me
>>>>> that choice because it keeps bugging me until it gets its way.
>>>>>
>>>>> I would greatly appreciate it if someone could tell me how to stop
>>>>> these
>>>>> annoying pop-ups.

> "Jerry Ed" <staplesstaples@comcast.net> wrote in message
I use the following because my computer is on at 1:00AM every morning:
Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools,
and then click Scheduled Tasks. Add Scheduled Task Under the Task tab Run: ,
type C:\Tasks\RunTasks.bat Under the Task tab Start in: , type C:\Tasks
Under the Task tab Run as: , your computer name\your account name
>> (Note: the account name must have a password (not blank), for Scheduled
>> Task service to run)
>> Under the Task tab > check the box for "Enabled (scheduled task runs at
>> specified time)"

Under the Schedule tab > Schedule Task:, enter Daily Under the Schedule tab
> Start time:, enter 1:00AM
Under the Schedule tab > Every:, enter 1 Hit OK and exit .

Open Windows Explorer. Create the directory Tasks on the C: drive
(C:\Tasks) Use Notepad to create the following .bat files and .reg file in
C:\Tasks
>>
>> ----RunTasks.bat----------------------
>> @ECHO OFF
>> REM ---------change registry so email wont compress---
>> call C:\Tasks\NoCompact.bat
>>
>> ----NoCompact.bat-------------------
>> regedit.exe /s C:\Tasks\NoCompact.reg
>>
>> ----NoCompact.reg-------------------
>> REGEDIT4
>> [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{......what ever your idenity
>> is.........}\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0]
>> "Compact Check Count"=dword:00000000
>>
>> The above registery change makes sure that the count never gets to 100
>> (which causes the compress or pop-ups). The counter is set to zero every
>> night at 1:00AM. I can compress the email whenever I think about
>> it...which is not to often.
>>
>>
>> If you do NOT want to run a scheduled task every day, then create a batch
>> file that launches Outlook Express.
The batch file also includes the procedure to zero the count.
>>
>> ----LaunchOE.bat-----------------------------
>> @ECHO OFF
>> REM ---------change registry so email wont compress---
>> call C:\Tasks\NoCompact.bat
>> MSIMN.EXE
>>
>>
>> Create a shortcut from LaunchOE.bat
>> Drag the shortcut to the desk top.
>> Use the shortcut to launch OE.
>>
>> have a nice day,
>> JE

Thank You very much Jerry Ed. That is exactly what I was looking for. It
is nice to be able to have more control over my computer.

Also, thank you to every one else who helped me see the light. Thank you
especially to Pa Bear for sending me that link so I could learn more about
Outlook Express.

Thanks again

Keven

Sorry, Caveat?

If I'm reading right, please correct me...

If I press yes to this pop up, it will delete/compact/disable ALL the
messages that are in my Inbox and my Sent Items box...
As Well As...completely deleting the deleted messages that I'd thought
I'd Emptied from the Deleted Items box.

I'm sure I've pressed OK before and I lost a LOT of information from
the Sent Items folder.
I use this folder all the time as my brain is a sieve.
Am I right - should I transfer them all to a different personally named
folder before pressing yes?

Thank you.
From...
Old person who doesn't really understand computers but is darn grateful
for help

Yes. Inbox and Sent Items should not be used to store messages.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Elfsinger" <Elfsinger.2udxjj@no.email.invalid> wrote in message
news:Elfsinger.2udxjj@no.email.invalid...
>
> Sorry, Caveat?
>
> If I'm reading right, please correct me...
>
> If I press yes to this pop up, it will delete/compact/disable ALL the
> messages that are in my Inbox and my Sent Items box...
> As Well As...completely deleting the deleted messages that I'd thought
> I'd Emptied from the Deleted Items box.
>
> I'm sure I've pressed OK before and I lost a LOT of information from
> the Sent Items folder.
> I use this folder all the time as my brain is a sieve.
> Am I right - should I transfer them all to a different personally named
> folder before pressing yes?
>
> Thank you.
> From...
> Old person who doesn't really understand computers but is darn grateful
> for help
>
>

Many thanks..off to do it now

My frustration is related, but somewhat different than many here in this
post ... hope someone has encountered it and has a 'fix'.

Specifically, at random , even from a clear Desktop, one of my machines
will
'launch' this 'compacting' message, and continue posting that annoying
message as many as 20 or 30 times, all at once. The 'message' windows
will fill up 3 rows in the task tray.

None of my other machines have this problem (except when I reach my set
'99' 'compact check count' limit, which is fine).

Has anyone else seen this problem and know how to fix?

All 4 of my machines are running XP w/SP3 and all other windowsupdates.
My Security Suite is from Computer Associates, Security Suite 2008 with
only AntiVirus, AntiSpam, and AntiSpyware loaded. (The one difference in
the failing machine from the rest is, it runs out in my shop, using a
D-Link DWL-G510 PCI wireless adapter - not sure that comes into play
here, however, the failing machine has this one difference.)

This bug is really freakin' me out!

[Crossposted to OE General]

See this recent discussion about the problem:
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...d35fbfa457fd6f

For reference, here's a list of things which are known to cause this
behavior:

• Various & sundry anti-virus applications (including Norton);
• Various & sundry anti-spyware applications;
• Various & sundry third-party firewalls;
• Any/all of the above running when SP3 was installed;
• IBM Rapid Access keyboard (driver) RAKDLL.DLL;
• Nero plug-in(s);
• Windows Desktop Search is installed;
• Windows Live Mail is or had been installed;
• Disk defragmentation; and/or
• MailWasher

Were all components of CA Security Suite 2008 disabled prior to installing
SP3?

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


wwemerson wrote:
> My frustration is related, but somewhat different than many here in this
> post ... hope someone has encountered it and has a 'fix'.
>
> Specifically, at random , even from a clear Desktop, one of my machines
> will
> 'launch' this 'compacting' message, and continue posting that annoying
> message as many as 20 or 30 times, all at once. The 'message' windows
> will fill up 3 rows in the task tray.
>
> None of my other machines have this problem (except when I reach my set
> '99' 'compact check count' limit, which is fine).
>
> Has anyone else seen this problem and know how to fix?
>
> All 4 of my machines are running XP w/SP3 and all other windowsupdates.
> My Security Suite is from Computer Associates, Security Suite 2008 with
> only AntiVirus, AntiSpam, and AntiSpyware loaded. (The one difference in
> the failing machine from the rest is, it runs out in my shop, using a
> D-Link DWL-G510 PCI wireless adapter - not sure that comes into play
> here, however, the failing machine has this one difference.)
>
> This bug is really freakin' me out!

My "Compact Messages" nag in Outlook Express is out of control. Several
times during a single session the little notify bell will go off like
some one is leaning on the keyboard and won't stop until I close OE.

Through the helpful info on HTFC I think I figured out how to stop it
temporarily. Problem is after I reset the counter to zero eventually
within hours, the multiple ringing of the nag bell comes back. When I
check the counter it has some crazy hex value in there that looks like a
really big number. And this happens regardless of whether or not I
compact the messages manually or accept the nag with an "OK." If I open
regedit and watch the counter, I can see it go up 2 or 3 points just
opening and closing OE one time. How could the counter be logging so
many hits??

I've read that having a corrupt .dbx file could cause strange effects
but compacting the files should fix that. I did not try to replace a
corrupt folder because I have many folders and no way to know which
could be corrupt.

I'm not running an virus scanner and I just did a full reformat of my
windows install. I even bought a program that deletes duplicate emails
(Remove Duplicate Emails by 'MAPILab - http://www.mapilab.com/'
(http://www.mapilab.com/)) which worked great. After many reinstalls of
windows and running the Transfer Wizard I ended up with 4 copies of
every saved email. I don't know if that could be a problem, but the
program works great and deleted all the dupes.

I don't think I have a really large number of saved messages though
after many years I'm sure I have over 1,000 - but I can't be alone
there.

For now Jerry Ed's batch file trick with the reg edit and shortcut
launcher seems to ease the pain a bit but I still think I have a
problem. Put them all in the root directory for OE (C:\Program
Files\Outlook Express). Download the files here: '4shared.com - online
file sharing and storage - download LaunchOE-NoCompact.zip'
(http://www.4shared.com/file/75892605...NoCompact.html)

The only problem with Jerry's scripts is that it leaves open a black
CMD window. It will close when you close OE or you can delete it. Any
idea on how to fix that?

Anyway, this is a long message and maybe it will help some one. And
maybe someone can help me?

Thanks, :D

Jim

RDJim wrote:
> My "Compact Messages" nag in Outlook Express is out of control. Several
> times during a single session the little notify bell will go off like
> some one is leaning on the keyboard and won't stop until I close OE.
>
> Through the helpful info on HTFC I think I figured out how to stop it
> temporarily. Problem is after I reset the counter to zero eventually
> within hours, the multiple ringing of the nag bell comes back. When I
> check the counter it has some crazy hex value in there that looks like a
> really big number. And this happens regardless of whether or not I
> compact the messages manually or accept the nag with an "OK." If I open
> regedit and watch the counter, I can see it go up 2 or 3 points just
> opening and closing OE one time. How could the counter be logging so
> many hits??
>
> I've read that having a corrupt .dbx file could cause strange effects
> but compacting the files should fix that. I did not try to replace a
> corrupt folder because I have many folders and no way to know which
> could be corrupt.
>
> I'm not running an virus scanner and I just did a full reformat of my
> windows install. I even bought a program that deletes duplicate emails
> (Remove Duplicate Emails by 'MAPILab - http://www.mapilab.com/'
> (http://www.mapilab.com/)) which worked great. After many reinstalls of
> windows and running the Transfer Wizard I ended up with 4 copies of
> every saved email. I don't know if that could be a problem, but the
> program works great and deleted all the dupes.
>
> I don't think I have a really large number of saved messages though
> after many years I'm sure I have over 1,000 - but I can't be alone
> there.
>
> For now Jerry Ed's batch file trick with the reg edit and shortcut
> launcher seems to ease the pain a bit but I still think I have a
> problem. Put them all in the root directory for OE (C:\Program
> Files\Outlook Express). Download the files here: '4shared.com - online
> file sharing and storage - download LaunchOE-NoCompact.zip'
> (http://www.4shared.com/file/75892605...NoCompact.html)
>
> The only problem with Jerry's scripts is that it leaves open a black
> CMD window. It will close when you close OE or you can delete it. Any
> idea on how to fix that?
>
> Anyway, this is a long message and maybe it will help some one. And
> maybe someone can help me?
>
> Thanks, :D
>
> Jim
>
>

Do yourself a favor and dump Outhouse Distress and install Thunderbird.
Unlike OE, it has an excellent junk filter and a real time spell check
that corrects as you type. When you install it, you can import
everything from OE except the email passwords. Get it at
http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird. Also, OE is no longer supported by
Microsoft and Thunderbird is supported.

Alias

Alias;879751 Wrote:
>
>
> Do yourself a favor and dump Outhouse Distress and install
> Thunderbird...
>
> Alias

Tried Thunderbird but for some reason it wouldn't send messages...kept
getting a SMTP error. Imported account settings from OE but after many
attempts to fix or find help I gave up and installed Microsoft Live Mail
Desktop. Believe it or not I really like it...and nice improvement over
OE and it works great.

Then to my dismay, I kept getting those **** OE Compact Messages Nag.
I googled "uninstall OE" and found a great set of instructions. So far
so good. Now all I need is a way to skin Live Mail to add a little
contrast to the color scheme. ;) It's always something, but that's why
we love computers... it's a hobby that keeps giving.

http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx Wrote:
>
>
> To manually remove Outlook Express 5.x or 6.0, you must rename several
> files. To help in this process, all system files and file extensions
> must be visible:
> > >
- Double-click the My Computer icon.
- On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View
> tab.
- In the Hide Files and Folders section, click Show hidden files
> and folders, and then click to clear the Hide file extensions for
> known file types check box.
- Click to clear the Hide Protected 'Operating System'
> (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#) Files (Recommended)
> check box, and then click Yes in the warning message dialog box.
- Click OK to close the Folder Options dialog box.> > HOW TO REMOVE OUTLOOK EXPRESS
> Before you remove Outlook Express, it is important to familiarize
> yourself with the 'back up and restore'
> (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#) procedures for Outlook
> data. Microsoft recommends that you back up your 'e-mail'
> (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#), address book, and other
> data. For detailed instructions and backup procedures, see the
> following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:
>
>
> '181084'
> (http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;181084) How
> to 'Back Up' (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#) Your Inbox
> Assistant Rules in Outlook Express
> '188093'
> (http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;188093) How
> to Back Up the Account List in Outlook Express
> '230208'
> (http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;230208) How
> to 'Back Up E-mail' (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#)
> Messages in Outlook Express 5
> '270670'
> (http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;270670)
> OLEXP: How to Back Up and Recover Outlook Express 'Data'
> (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#)
> '230076' (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=230076)
> OL2000: Why Outlook 2000 Requires Outlook Express
> To remove Outlook Express, you must rename several folders.
>
> NOTE: Before you remove Outlook Express, make sure you are logged on
> to the computer with Administrative rights.
> > >
- Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then
> click Windows Explorer.
- Locate and rename the following folders: > > >
- The Stationery folder: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
> Shared\Stationery
- The Identities folder: C:\Documents and
> Settings\username\Application Data\Identities
> -or-
> C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application
> Data\Identities
- The Address Book folder: C:\Documents and
> Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book
> -or-
> C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application
> Data\Address Book
> > >
- After you locate these folders, click them one at a time, and
> then press F2. Rename them to old_stationery, old_identities, and
> old_address respectively, and then press ENTER.> > You must now delete the registry key for Outlook Express:
>
> WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause
> serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating
> system. 'Microsoft' (http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx#) cannot
> guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry
> Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
>
> > >
- Click Start, and then click Run, and then type regedit in the
> Open box.
- Locate the following registry keys, right-click the registry key,
> and then click Delete: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Outlook
> Express
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WAB
> HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities
> HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express
> HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed
> Components\{44BBA840-CC51-11CF-AAFA-00AA00B6015C}
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed
> Components\{7790769C-0471-11D2-AF11-00C04FA35D02}
- Quit Registry Editor.> > To complete the removal procedure, rename several Outlook Express
> files:
> > >
- Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files and
> Folders.
- Find and rename the following files (these files are the same in
> Outlook Express 6.0):
- Inetcomm.dll
> Msoeacct.dll
> Msoert2.dll
> Msoe.dll
> Msoeres.dll
> Msimn.exe
> Oeimport.dll
> Oemiglib.dll
> Oemig50.exe
> Setup50.exe
> Wab.exe
> Wabfind.dll
> Wabimp.dll
> Wabmig.exe
> Csapi3t1.dll
> Directdb.dll
> Wab32.dll
> Wab32res.dll
> > > Each of these files are located in two folders, the default file
> folder, and the C:\Winnt\System32\Dllcache folder. For example, the
> Inetcomm.dll file is located in the C:\Winnt\System32 folder, by
> default, and in the C:\Winnt\System32\Dllcache folder. You must rename
> the same file in both folders to successfully remove Outlook Express.
> To rename these files:
> > >
- Remove any CD-ROMs that may be in your CD-ROM drive.
- Click the Inetcomm.dll file in the Dllcache folder, press F2,
> rename the file to filename.old (for example, inetcomm.old), and
> then press ENTER.
- Click the same file in the other folder, press F2, rename the
> file to filename.old, and then press ENTER.
- When you receive the prompt about Windows file protection, do not
> insert the Windows 2000 CD-ROM. Instead, click Cancel.
- At the prompt about keeping unrecognized file versions, click
> Yes.
- Repeat this process with each file in the list.> > http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx

My "Compact Messages" nag in Outlook Express is out of control. Several
times during a single session the little notify bell will go off like
some one is leaning on the keyboard and won't stop until I close OE.

Through the helpful info on HTFC I think I figured out how to stop it
temporarily. Problem is after I reset the counter to zero eventually
within hours, the multiple ringing of the nag bell comes back. When I
check the counter it has some crazy hex value in there that looks like a
really big number. And this happens regardless of whether or not I
compact the messages manually or accept the nag with an "OK." If I open
regedit and watch the counter, I can see it go up 2 or 3 points just
opening and closing OE one time. How could the counter be logging so
many hits??

I've read that having a corrupt .dbx file could cause strange effects
but compacting the files should fix that. I did not try to replace a
corrupt folder because I have many folders and no way to know which
could be corrupt.

I'm not running an virus scanner and I just did a full reformat of my
windows install. I even bought a program that deletes duplicate emails
(Remove Duplicate Emails by 'MAPILab - http://www.mapilab.com/'
(http://www.mapilab.com/)) which worked great. After many reinstalls of
windows and running the Transfer Wizard I ended up with 4 copies of
every saved email. I don't know if that could be a problem, but the
program works great and deleted all the dupes.

I don't think I have a really large number of saved messages though
after many years I'm sure I have over 1,000 - but I can't be alone
there.

For now Jerry Ed's batch file trick with the reg edit and shortcut
launcher seems to ease the pain a bit but I still think I have a
problem. Put them all in the root directory for OE (C:\Program
Files\Outlook Express). Download the files here: '4shared.com - online
file sharing and storage - download LaunchOE-NoCompact.zip'
(http://www.4shared.com/file/75892605...NoCompact.html)

The only problem with Jerry's scripts is that it leaves open a black
CMD window. It will close when you close OE or you can delete it. Any
idea on how to fix that?

Anyway, this is a long message and maybe it will help some one. And
maybe someone can help me?

Thanks, :D

Jim