Hi Selene,

I don't have a definitive answer, but we can make a start.

Before starting OE (Msimn.exe) check in Task Manager to see if it is
running.

End the Msimn.exe process:
1.Start Task Manager by right-clicking an open space on the taskbar, and
then clicking Task Manager on the shortcut menu.
2.In Task Manager, look at the active processes that are running on the
computer; locate the process named Msimn.exe.
3.End the Msimn.exe process.

Do you use any 3rd-party filtering software?

For Future Reference
First see if someone has a specific suggestion.

General Information

There are a few reasons for Outlook Express not starting. It is sometimes
possible to fix a small problem by compacting messages (Tools, Options,
Maintenance, Clean-up Now. Do not use automatic compacting because it
can more readily lead to corruption of data. It is best to do compacting in
offline mode. DO NOT close Outlook Express while compacting.

1. 3rd-party filtering software
The AVG anti-virus message scan plug-in was once a cause. Do not use the
message scan feature. The A-V using normal system scan will still protect
the PC.

2. Damage to a DBX file.
There is sometimes an error message, but when this is absent finding the
(possibly) bad DBX file becomes a guessing game. The problem could be with
Outbox.dbx, Sent Items.dbx, Inbox.dbx or other file. These can be
renamed one at a time. After renaming one try starting Outlook Express.
(see below)

All the files can be moved from the store folder to a new "Mail Backup"
folder on the desktop leaving the message store folder empty. This might
allow Outlook Express to start if the problem is in one or more of the DBX
files.

3. Corruption in the registry for the Outlook Express identity.
It is sometimes possible to create a new identity, and then import
messages from the old identity. This may not be an option.

From the Microsoft KB: Regenerating the Identities Registry Key
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;258034

4. Damage to the Outlook Express installed program.
Outlook Express may need to be reinstalled. Back-up the store folder
holding the DBX files before doing anything. Create a new folder on the
desktop to hold ALL the DBX files.

More Information

This behavior can occur if the client mail store contains a damaged .dbx
file. The damaged file is probably Outbox.dbx, Inbox.dbx, or Sent Items.dbx.

To resolve this behavior, remove the damaged .dbx file:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click

Windows Explorer.
2. In Windows Explorer, on the Tools menu, point to Find, and then click

Files or Folders.
3. You may need to include hidden files and folders (Windows 2000 and XP).
4. Type Outbox.dbx in the Named box, and then click Find Now.
5. Right-click the file name, and then click Rename.
6. Rename the file to Outbox.old. It is also safe to delete the file. A new
file

will be created when Outlook Express starts.

Note that deleting a .dbx file also deletes any e-mail messages or other
data in the folder.

OLEXP: How to Back Up and Recover Outlook Express Data

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;270670

Backup and Restore
http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com



How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in
Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

The second method works for Win 98 and other later Windows operating
systems.


--
Tim K.
aka Kuay Tim
MS-MVP - Outlook Express
Lynnwood, WA
*
"selene" wrote in message
ups.com...
My OE6 suddenly won't open.
I get the message that an instance of the program is already running,
and to restart my computer.

However, when I do that., OE6 still doesn't open and the same message
appears...

Help!! selene