when I try to follow the following to correct the asking me of the
compacting folders, I don't find anyting in right hand pane or even the
"Compact Check Count" line. Is there a solution?

tks all

I use WIN XP Serv P 2


a..
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{GUID}\Software\Micro soft\Outlook Express\5.0

where GUID is the long number used for your Identity.
a.. In the right-hand pane, double-click "Compact Check Count", then change
the value to zero.