Roy Smith wrote:

So what does this have to do with fixing a corrupt Outlook Express
message database?

The OP said he restored from a disk image - and the problem persisted.

Why?

Not only that, he said "Other than wipe the partition" - methinks he has
more than one partition (let's say a C: and a D: drive) and believes he
could simply reinstall MS Windows on the C: drive and let whatever is
lurking on the D: drive to remain there.

IMO that is unsatisfactory when reinstalling. The whole drive needs to
be wiped clean to be *sure* that no 'nastie' is left lurking to come
back and bite you!

As a last resort, before reinstallation, he could try using DrWeb
http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/

Worth a try! ;-)