Create a new folder and move all the messages you want to save out of the
Inbox to the new folder. Then, delete the Inbox as follows:

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Press the Tab key to highlight the folder
location, then Ctrl+C. Close OE, then Start | Run | Ctrl+V will put the
location in the box - Click OK and you'll see the OE files. Otherwise, write
the location down and navigate to it in Windows Explorer.

In Windows XP, 2K & 3K, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default
marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options |
View.

With OE closed, find the DBX file for the folder in question {Inbox.dbx} and
delete it. A new one will be created automatically when you open OE.

Follow up with these suggestions as well as compacting again.

General precautions for Outlook Express:

Do not archive mail in default OE folders. They will eventually become
corrupt. Create your own user defined folders for storing mail and move your
mail to them. Empty Deleted Items folder regularly. Keep user created
folders under 100MB, and Default folders as empty as is feasible.

After you are done, follow up by compacting your folders manually while
working *offline* and do it often.

Click on Outlook Express at the top of the folder tree so no folders are
open. Then: File | Work Offline (or double click Working Online in the
Status Bar). File | Folder | Compact all folders. Don't touch anything until
the compacting is completed.

Turn off e-mail scanning in your anti-virus program. It is a redundant layer
of protection that eats up CPUs and causes a multitude of problems such as
time-outs and account setting changes. Your up-to-date A/V program will
continue to protect you sufficiently. For more, see:
http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3

In Tools | Options | Maintenance: Uncheck Compact messages in background and
leave it unchecked. {N/A if running XP/SP2}.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS MVP - Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Henry Kolesnik" wrote in message
. com...
Bruce
I get the message after about 5 minutes as OE tries to compress my INbox.
The message is a popup titled Outlook Express with The folder is currently
use by OUtlook Express or another application. OK or Cancel.
Hank
"Bruce Hagen" wrote in message
...
Does it specify which folder?
--
Bruce Hagen
MS MVP - Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"Henry Kolesnik" wrote in message
. com...
I can't compact OE files. I get a message; folder in use by Outlook
Express or other application. I closed all other apps and went offline
as recommended and still have the problem. Is this the correct place
for help? All tips appreciated
tnx
hank