Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

Great advice, Thank you. I did recenly compact the mesages and it told me the
'the folder is currently in use by OE or another programme'.

I will follow all of this through
Thanks
Mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

Great advice, Thank you. I did recenly compact the mesages and it told me the
'the folder is currently in use by OE or another programme'.

I will follow all of this through
Thanks
Mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

The *Folder In Use* is a completely different problem. Here is the
explanation, but don't let it interfere with your current issue.
~~~

Compacting hangs on Folders.dbx after installing SP3 for XP:

This is a known issue and will never be fixed. Therefore, compact your
folders manually. The counter will be reset to zero, and a manual compact
won't hang.

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.

If you get it the habit of compacting before the 100th closing, (i.e. once a
week, or so), you will never see the prompt again.
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
news
Great advice, Thank you. I did recenly compact the mesages and it told me
the
'the folder is currently in use by OE or another programme'.

I will follow all of this through
Thanks
Mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak
file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If
you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it
to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk
mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user
defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted
Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used
by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not
show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

The *Folder In Use* is a completely different problem. Here is the
explanation, but don't let it interfere with your current issue.
~~~

Compacting hangs on Folders.dbx after installing SP3 for XP:

This is a known issue and will never be fixed. Therefore, compact your
folders manually. The counter will be reset to zero, and a manual compact
won't hang.

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.

If you get it the habit of compacting before the 100th closing, (i.e. once a
week, or so), you will never see the prompt again.
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
news
Great advice, Thank you. I did recenly compact the mesages and it told me
the
'the folder is currently in use by OE or another programme'.

I will follow all of this through
Thanks
Mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak
file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If
you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it
to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk
mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user
defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted
Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used
by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not
show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

Hello Bruce, I have checked the Recycle Bin

2 x files

Inbox (1).bak created 05.08.09 size 26848kb
Inbox (1).bak created 06.08.09 size 6580kb

What would you advise I do now?
Thanks
mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

Hello Bruce, I have checked the Recycle Bin

2 x files

Inbox (1).bak created 05.08.09 size 26848kb
Inbox (1).bak created 06.08.09 size 6580kb

What would you advise I do now?
Thanks
mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M

The second one was created on June 8, 2009. You can restore that, but any
messages after that date will be missing. It is a good place to start
though.

Assuming you haven't done anything yet, close OE. Go to the message store
and drag the Inbox.dbx to the Desktop. Close the store folder and open the
Recycle Bin. Use the Restore function for the 06.08.09 Inbox.bak file.

Open the store folder again and you should see the Inbox.bak file. Rename it
to Inbox.dbx. That will replace the one you dragged to the Desktop.

Open OE and you should have an Inbox with the messages up to the date if the
bak file. Before you do anything else, create a local folder of your own and
drag all the messages there for safe keeping.

Now try one of the tools on the Inbox on the Desktop to get the rest of the
messages.
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello Bruce, I have checked the Recycle Bin

2 x files

Inbox (1).bak created 05.08.09 size 26848kb
Inbox (1).bak created 06.08.09 size 6580kb

What would you advise I do now?
Thanks
mike


"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

What is the size of the Inbox.dbx file in the message store? The Inbox is
probably corrupt. If you have compacted recently, look for an Inbox.bak
file
in the Recycle Bin and the message store. If you find one, note the date
that it was created and then post back before you do anything more. If
you
do not have a bak file, continue with the following instructions.

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of
your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in
Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.

In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, 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
Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View.

With OE closed, find the Inbox.dbx. Rename it to Inboxold.dbx and drag it
to
the Desktop. A new Inbox will be created automatically when you open OE.

Now you will need a tool to retrieve the messages. If you have compacted
since the messages went missing, only DBXpress run in Extract From Disk
mode
has a chance to recover the messages.

Macallan Outlook Express Extraction:
http://www.insideoe.com/resources/tools.htm#macallan

DBXtract:
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx

DBXpress: {much faster for large files}
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXpress/Default.aspx

To help prevent this in the futu

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user
defined
folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted
Items
folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I
recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used
by
Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

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}.

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB):
http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx
--

Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP [Mail]
Imperial Beach, CA


"Mike Hoban" wrote in message
...
Hello, I hope soemone can help with this....

I am using OE6. I have lost the ability to use the inbox. It will not
show
any currently stored messages, it will not receive any new messages, I
just
get an nunknown error message from my server. I can still send messages
and
operate and access all other function of OE6, I just cant receive mails
into
this particular inbox. I have looked for a free of charge fix or fresh
installation, but cant find anything, even on MS site.

Any ideas?.

Thanks
M