Never store messages in any default OE folder. Especially in a garbage pail.

Check your Recycle Bin for a Deleted Items.bak file. Maybe you'll get lucky.

If not:

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Shona C" wrote in message
...
I do not know how to find out what version I have of outlook express!

I inadvertently permanently deleted the messages from my Deleted Files
folder in outlook express. Although they are in my mail store, I cannot
open
them. I have tried Windows explorer to get them back, but with no luck.
I
have deleted e-mails, which I need. I must be going daft!! Help!!