Start with these three steps. This means moving /all/ messages out of the
Inbox.

1: Do not archive mail in default OE folders, Inbox, Sent Items, etc., as
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.

2: 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.

3: 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

For some programs, turning it off is not enough. You may have to uninstall
it and reinstall in Custom Mode and opt out of e-mail scanning when offered.

Now, close all programs and ***turn off your anti-virus program***
completely. Go to Windows Updates and download the updates available.
Restart your computer and see how OE works now.
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mosey" wrote in message
...
Since a mid December update, my Outlook Express freezes while downloading
email, sometimes on the first email, sometimes on the second one. I have
been constanlty restoring my computer to Nov. 30, but then I don't have
the
updates. Today I finally turned auto updates off. Does anybody know how
to
fix this?