"Bruce Hagen" wrote in
:

Thanks for the reply. I've nested my comments, below. (Sorry about the
top posting here.)

For second hand info, you posted better than most. There are a few
things that may be involved here.

If both computers are using the same e-mail address, on both machines:
Yes, same email address.

Tools | Accounts | Mail | Properties | Advanced - Check: Leave a copy
of messages on the server.
Current condition on both machines.

Very important. On one machine only, check to Delete messages after X
days to assure the server does not get clogged up.
OK. Why on one machine? And any preference? Both are used equally as
much.

Turn off e-mail scanning in your anti-virus program. It is a redundant
layer of protection that eats up CPUs, slows down sending and
receiving, and causes a multitude of problems such as time-outs,
account setting changes and has even been responsible for lose of
messages. Your up-to-date A/V program will continue to protect you
sufficiently. For more, see: http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3
Turn off email scanning on both outbound and inbound? Will do. I
understand. The A/V will proctect them should they download a virus laden
email.

McAfee and Norton both cause havoc with Outlook Express. I would get
rid of it completely and get AVG *Free*.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
or:
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww

When prompted, choose Custom Installation and *uncheck* e-mail
scanning when you see the option.
I assume you mean on any A/V application I choose to use.

Norton, and McAfee, products are not Outlook Express friendly, and I
don't know of any OE-MVP that would recommend using them.

And also very important is the condition of the folders, especially
the Inbox.

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.
You mean create my own folders within OE, or outside of OE?

Empty Deleted Items folder regularly. Keep
user created folders under 100MB, and Default folders as empty as is
feasible.
That's my general practice, but I think the in-laws may be huge.

After you are done, follow up by compacting your folders manually
while working *offline* and do it often.
My general practice, too, but will advise in-laws.

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.

And backup often.

Backup & Resto
http://www.insideoutlookexpress.com/backup/
Have used to migrate OE.

This is a great two click program:

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB)
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
Will check it out.

I will probably go over to their house tomorrow and apply your
suggestions. I'll report back.

Thanks again.