General OE Caveats:

- Don't use Inbox or Sent Items to archive messages. Move them to local folders created for this purpose.

- Empty Deleted Items folder daily.

- Disable Background Compacting [N/A in SP2] and frequently perform a manual compact of all OE folders while "working offline". More at http://www.insideoe.com/files/maintain.htm.

- Do not attempt to close OE via Task Manager or shutdown your machine if Automatic Compacting is taking place (WinXP SP2 only).

- Your anti-virus application's email scanning feature can also cause corruption. Disable it. It provides no additional protection.

Also try deleting Temporary Internet Files, accepting the option to delete all offline content.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Security, Shell/User)

Deacon Bernie wrote:

For about two months, Outlook Express is taking a very long time to load (45
to 60 seconds). I run XP Pro with SP-2. I've used every anti-virus program
I have (only one running) and anti-spyware. I've checked the registry
countless time and I regularly run Windows Cleaner as well as Defragmenter.

Does anybody have any suggestions I might try?