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Thread ID: 71129 2006-07-27 07:51:00 Whats these DBX files, why have they been modified ktee (5538) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
474047 2006-07-28 08:31:00 Problem hopefully solved
Looks like it was a file corruption.
Think it happened when I did an Outlook Express update more than a year ago but didn’t notice it to now. Could be reason Ive had no email to the folder for a while

I found a Microsoft web site, that was quite helpful, titled
"The Other E-Mail Treat: File Corruption in Outlook Express"
(Was going to put address in but just read posting that said, for this forum referral links are not permitted, not sure if its considered that or not, doesnt have ID at address end).

Quote Below (abbreviated frm web site)

Each folder you see in the Outlook Express Folder list is stored on your hard disk as a single file with same name as the folder but with the extension DBX, e.g., "Inbox.dbx".All these DBX files are stored in a single Windows folder called Store Folder. This folder is located deep within the Doc & Settings folder in Windows 2000 & Windows XP, & by default is marked as a hidden folder.

So it not just in Windows 98, I found my folder under
C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\

Some of the things It goes on to say
First sign Outlook Express works slower
One source of corruption is trying to open and edit a DBX file yrself.
Also corruption can be in 1 folder, or a single email
Outlook Express might Crash with this error when u try to open damaged folder Article gives a number of solutions

a) Work offline, "Compact All Folders"
b) If that does not work, you will need a new DBX file for the damaged folder.

Steps to do this :
1.If possible, drag all messages in the non-working folder into another folder you create just for this purpose. You can create a folder by pointing to Folder on the File menu, and then clicking New folder (or by pressing Ctrl+Shift- E).
2.Close Outlook Express.
3.Open your Store Folder in Windows Explorer.
4.Delete (or rename) the DBX file associated with the non-working folder. For example, "Sent Items.dbx" or "Deleted Items.dbx" or "Drafts.dbx". Since these are default folders, new DBX files will be created automatically for the special folders when you restart Outlook Express.

Probably best to read article first incase Ive missed something, like dont use computer till compacting is finished.

I followed step b). There was only 1 email in my Outlook express folder for the folder (corres.s) that didn’t have a DBX extension. I deleted the folder from there, it just disappeared, not in deleted or recycle bin. Then created new folder with similar name.
When I went into C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\
A new DBX folder extension had been created for the new folder.
I then delete the old DBX folder (corres.s (2)) that had no corresponding folder in Outlook express.
It went to recycle bin.

So far all seems fine, cross fingers. 		ktee (5538)
474048 2006-07-28 09:00:00 Thanks FoxyMX, Yes!!, just seen the edit option on my last post, I’ll use it now.Only other forum I used never had an edit option. Ive always thought once youve posted thats it. The DBXtract download will be useful, as I did try to open the DBX file but couldnt.
Too late ran out of 15 mins 		ktee (5538)
474049 2006-07-28 11:21:00 Well it is good that you have solved the mystery and also learnt a few things along the way. :)


(Was going to put address in but just read posting that said, for this forum referral links are not permitted, not sure if its considered that or not, doesnt have ID at address end).Posting that link would have been fine as it is not a referral link. The explanation for referral links is here (pressf1.pcworld.co.nz). You are not benefitting financially or otherwise from posting that link so it is not a referral and therefore OK to post. 		FoxyMX (5)
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