"JethroUK©" wrote in message
...
The question involves experience of Outlook Express AND experience of
Windows XP profile management/registry - hence the post

In fact i anticipate the real answer is beyond O/Express users (being
totally outside it's design use) and will come from a person who is
experienced in XP profile/registry management


Is not. An OE group would have been the proper place.

Assuming a POP3 account, go to
Tools | Accounts
Double click the account.
On the Advanced tab check the box to leave a copy on the server.
Also check the box to delete after 5 days, changing the number if you want.

If it were an IMAP or HTTP account there wouldn't be an issue.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Answer in newsgroup. Don't send mail.