How to empty a corrupt dbx file ?

My dbx files for deleted and sent messages seem to be corrupt. They show a
large size, but contain no or only a few small mails. Is it possible to
create new versions of those files and how? Thank you.

MET

If you don't care about saving any of the missing messages, just do this:

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Press the Tab key to highlight the folder
location, then Ctrl+C. Close OE, then Start | Run | Ctrl+V will put the
location in the box - Click OK and you'll see the OE files. Otherwise, write
the location down and navigate to it in Windows Explorer.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default
marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the DBX file for the folder(s) in question {Sent Items
..dbx & Deleted Items.dbx} and delete them. A new empty file for each will
be created automatically when you open OE.

General precautions for Outlook Express:

Do not archive mail in default OE folders. They will eventually become
corrupt. Create your own user defined folders for storing mail and move your
mail to them. Empty Deleted Items folder regularly. Keep user created
folders under 100MB, and Default folders as empty as is feasible.

After you are done, follow up by compacting your folders manually while
working *offline* and do it often.

Click on Outlook Express at the top of the folder tree so no folders are
open. Then: File | Work Offline (or double click Working Online in the
Status Bar). File | Folder | Compact all folders. Don't touch anything until
the compacting is completed.

Turn off e-mail scanning in your anti-virus program. It is a redundant layer
of protection that eats up CPUs and causes a multitude of problems such as
time-outs and account setting changes. Your up-to-date A/V program will
continue to protect you sufficiently. For more, see:
http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3

In Tools | Options | Maintenance: Uncheck Compact messages in background and
leave it unchecked. {N/A if running XP/SP2}.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"MET" wrote in message
...
My dbx files for deleted and sent messages seem to be corrupt. They show a
large size, but contain no or only a few small mails. Is it possible to
create new versions of those files and how? Thank you.

MET

Try File | Folder | Compact first. They might just need to be compacted.

steve

"MET" wrote in message
...
My dbx files for deleted and sent messages seem to be corrupt. They show a
large size, but contain no or only a few small mails. Is it possible to
create new versions of those files and how? Thank you.

MET