Using XP-SP2, Outlook Express 6.

Could you please let me know if .dbx files can be safely deleted from the
Store Folder, from Windows Explorer, if those folders have already been
deleted from within OE?

Following an earlier query, I backed up all mail from the Main Identity and
imported it to a new identity, then in the Main Identity deleted all messages
and folders except for the defaults (Inbox, Sent Items, etc). Most of the
corresponding .dbx files disappeared from the store folder but about 150 are
still hanging around, still showing their original sizes (in some cases up to
12MB). Maybe this was something to do with the number of folders and amount
of mail deleted altogether? -- though I did it in batches, closing OE
inbetween and sometimes also restarting, rather than all at once.

I tried compacting all folders (twice), but they're still showing in
W/Explorer so if it's safe I'd like to delete them manually.

If I can and get rid of them, will Folders.dbx automatically 'see' and
register the changes/deletions, or should I do anything with that as well?

Still have one or two other questions, but one step at a time

Many thanks.