Jane
Here is some info I found on your e-mail program giving
you the message it was going to compact you files.

FORREST


Why does OE insist on compacting folders when I close it?

OE has a long and troubled history with compacting folders. In the most current version, OE compacts all folders automatically after you open and close the program 100 times. Compacting folders is absolutely essential for maintaining your files in good working order. Therefore,

a.. Do not interrupt the process once it has begun.
b.. It is best not to use your computer at all until the process is complete, which can take a few minutes.
c.. Under no circumstances must you ever use Task Manager to kill the msimn.exe process, or put your computer on Standby, or turn off the power, or use a memory-intensive program while compaction is occurring. Any of those can cause destruction of your files and the loss of your messages.