Did all but run Defragmenterm which will require an evening.

Folders.dbx is 89k, large but hasn't been problematic previously.

I'll work on the identity test next. Thx.

"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

You did all suggested? You ran a Scan Disk followed by Disk Defragmenter?
What is the size of Folders.dbx?

If you have done what you say, try creating a new identity and see if the
problem persists.

You may have a damaged identity especially if it is the default Main
Identity. File | Identity | Add New Identity. Create a new one and test it.
If all is well, you can import your messages and Address Book from the old
identity and delete it.

How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169
--
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Outlook Express
Imperial Beach, CA


"Carolyn L Burke" wrote in message
...
"Bruce Hagen" wrote:

Performance Problems:
http://www.insideoe.com/problems/performance.htm

Read it before coming here. Checked for each problem. FOllowed each
procedure. Problem remained.

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.

Already standard behaviours.

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

Done already as stated.

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.

ditto

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

np

In Tools | Options | Maintenance: Uncheck Compact messages in background
and
leave it unchecked. {N/A if running XP/SP2}.

Already was.

And backup often.

When desired, this is done too.

Backup & Resto
http://www.insideoe.com/backup/

Don't need backing up currently. I need suggestions that explain and
perhaps
suggest a fix for the amazing slowness of accessing the address book.

This is a great two click program:

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

Already dl'ed, but am unwilling to install 3rd party sw while there is a
problem with MS software.

Carolyn Burke, CISSP