Using XP-SP2, Outlook Express 6.

Could you please let me know if .dbx files can be safely deleted from the
Store Folder, from Windows Explorer, if those folders have already been
deleted from within OE?

Following an earlier query, I backed up all mail from the Main Identity and
imported it to a new identity, then in the Main Identity deleted all messages
and folders except for the defaults (Inbox, Sent Items, etc). Most of the
corresponding .dbx files disappeared from the store folder but about 150 are
still hanging around, still showing their original sizes (in some cases up to
12MB). Maybe this was something to do with the number of folders and amount
of mail deleted altogether? -- though I did it in batches, closing OE
inbetween and sometimes also restarting, rather than all at once.

I tried compacting all folders (twice), but they're still showing in
W/Explorer so if it's safe I'd like to delete them manually.

If I can and get rid of them, will Folders.dbx automatically 'see' and
register the changes/deletions, or should I do anything with that as well?

Still have one or two other questions, but one step at a time

Many thanks.

You can delete any dbx file in the Message Store that does not correspond
with your current folders in OE. The only exceptions are Folders.dbx, and
Pop3uidl.dbx, although deleting them will not cause any lasting effects.

Make sure OE is closed when you delete dbx files, and follow up with a
Compact.

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.
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
~IB-CA~

"cottager" wrote in message
...
Using XP-SP2, Outlook Express 6.

Could you please let me know if .dbx files can be safely deleted from the
Store Folder, from Windows Explorer, if those folders have already been
deleted from within OE?

Following an earlier query, I backed up all mail from the Main Identity
and
imported it to a new identity, then in the Main Identity deleted all
messages
and folders except for the defaults (Inbox, Sent Items, etc). Most of the
corresponding .dbx files disappeared from the store folder but about 150
are
still hanging around, still showing their original sizes (in some cases up
to
12MB). Maybe this was something to do with the number of folders and
amount
of mail deleted altogether? -- though I did it in batches, closing OE
inbetween and sometimes also restarting, rather than all at once.

I tried compacting all folders (twice), but they're still showing in
W/Explorer so if it's safe I'd like to delete them manually.

If I can and get rid of them, will Folders.dbx automatically 'see' and
register the changes/deletions, or should I do anything with that as well?

Still have one or two other questions, but one step at a time

Many thanks.

Appreciate the advice Bruce - all now successfully deleted, and remaining
folders compacted.

"cottager" ...
Using XP-SP2, Outlook Express 6.

Could you please let me know if .dbx files can be safely deleted from the
Store Folder, from Windows Explorer, if those folders have already been
deleted from within OE?

Following an earlier query, I backed up all mail from the Main Identity
and
imported it to a new identity, then in the Main Identity deleted all
messages
and folders except for the defaults (Inbox, Sent Items, etc). Most of the
corresponding .dbx files disappeared from the store folder but about 150
are
still hanging around, still showing their original sizes (in some cases up
to
12MB). Maybe this was something to do with the number of folders and
amount
of mail deleted altogether? -- though I did it in batches, closing OE
inbetween and sometimes also restarting, rather than all at once.

I tried compacting all folders (twice), but they're still showing in
W/Explorer so if it's safe I'd like to delete them manually.

If I can and get rid of them, will Folders.dbx automatically 'see' and
register the changes/deletions, or should I do anything with that as well?

Still have one or two other questions, but one step at a time

Many thanks.