Can't delete emails from Outlook Express

I use Windows XP and Outlook Express. I emptied my "Deleted items" folder earlier today, and I don't know if it's a coincidence but now I can't empty my "sent" file, nor can I delete any eMail messages from my Inbox."

I get an error message when I try, which reads "The selected message(s) could not be moved. An error has occurred." I can move messages between other folders; eg "recipes" to "receipts," with no trouble.

I am not too computer savvy, and I am sure there's some easy answer, it just isn't coming to me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

bill

 

Go START > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer, and in the applications options see if you can see an error event for OE listed. If so double click on it and copy the detail up for us to see.

 

There are many scattered error messages under "application", dated today, yesterday and some dating back a month. I am not sure what to tell you. They won't copy/paste. I will do my best to convey the general sense of them.

Many just list a "fault bucket" with a different number each time. The most recent of these was "Fault Bucket 308653793" followed by a url for microsoft.

Others are like:. "Faulting application setconfig.exe version 2.0.0.0 faulting module unknown. Version 0.0.0.0 fault address 0x2e63543

Yesterday there were two that read "Application Hang
Fault bucket 355035468
Hanging application Snagit32.exe version 8.2.0.156. Hang module hungapp.version 0.0.0.0
hang address 0x00000000

Note that I have a program on my computer called "Snagit."

I will appreciate any help you can give me. I have absolutely no idea what any of the above means, but I guess in some way it may relate to the Snagit program

If I can provide any more info I will be only too happy to do so.

Any help much appreciated!

BILL

 

Did you try rebooting your pc?
And you should be able to uninstall snagit (a screen capture program).
You should be able to find it in your start menu or where i indicate in my screenshot.
Also sorry about the way my screenshot looks but it does show you where else you can uninstall programs.

 

Hmmm...not sure the snagit stuff isn't just a red herring to the original problem...

In Outlook Express, can you create a new folder (like you obviously have for recipes etc) and then drag the contents of your inbox to the newly created folder? If you can, we might be able to work with this......

 

Try compacting messages and see whether that resolves this problem. To compact, go to Tools, Options, Maintenance, and click on Clean Up Now. Click on Compact and run it.

 

Lev, Hugh and USAF, thanks for the replies. I had tried compacting, which seemed to work for a bit, but then didn't.

I CAN drag and drop items from Inbox to a created file.

I know how to delete Snagit, but will hold off on that for the moment. I'm not anxious to lose it, but will do so if that's what it takes.

Perhaps of interest: I ran "Registry Mechanic" yesterday, and when I did it, a message box that is part of snagit opened briefly in the upper left corner of mys screen. Don't know what that means.

It means a lot to me to get your help like this. I'll check back later this evening.

Thanks again!!

Bill

 

I went to my eMail after that last post, and opened a large message. When I tried to go to the next eMail (or any other new eMails) I got an error message, "OE encountered and unexpected problem while displaying this message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space." I exited the OE program, then opened it again, and could read all of the messages.

FWIW, I ran Ad-Aware yesterday as well as Registry mechanic and "Crud Cleaner." I then ran defrag which was fine and showed I have 78% free space.

Thanks again.

Bill

 

Move the messages you want to keep that are in your Inbox (or any subfolders of the Inbox too) into a folder that is not a subfolder of the Inbox just in case something goes wrong or you have to end up deleting the inbox file. You might find it best and safest to create a folder on the Desktop and put them here temporarily.

Then make sure hidden files and file extensions are showing by clicking My Computer >Tools > Folder Options > View tab, and check "Show hidden files and folders," uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files.

In Outlook Express in the identity having the problem, click Tools > Options > Maintenance tab > Store Folder button. Once you know the exact location of the store folder that identity is using (there could be more than one with a long alphanumeric name if more than one person uses Outlook Express as their email application, so be sure you've got the exact name - you don;t make mention as to whether this might be the case), close OE, navigate to it in Windows Explorer and delete the "folders.dbx" file. Reboot and retry OE. If that doesn't solve the problem, go back to Windows Explorer and delete the "inbox.dbx" file. Reboot and retry OE.

If you have to delete inbox.dbx, OE will open with a new, empty Inbox on reboot. Just move your saved messages that you put in the Desktop folder back into it.

 

I deleted folders.dbx and it seemed to make most things better. I was able to delete from inbox, for example.

But when I tried "select all" in the "Sent Items" folder and tried to delete it all at once it hung up. No problem deleting one at a time or even 15-20 at a time, but if I selected all or even half the total number (maybe 150, tops) it would hang up.

I got tied in with some family things tonight and wasn't able to spend much time on it, nor to respond until now.

What do you think about the progress so far? What should i do next?
What do you think had happened? And why?

Your help has been great and I thank you so much!

Goodnight...

Bill

 

Progress so far sounds good...all in the right direction Keep up the great work!

About your "Sent" Folder - clear it out (section by section if you have to) except for just a handful of emails you wish to delete. Then try the "Select All" option on the remaining few and try to delete - does it still hang, even when you only have a few items to delete from it?

 

Hi Lev,

Problems persist. I did as you said. I went to the sent folder and began deleting, one, then two, then twenty at a time. And it went well at first. But then it would hang and not delete anything, and I'd have to "X" out of OE and open it again. Then finally even that quit working, and the program froze. I had to use ctrl-alt-del to get out. I can move a message from "sent" to another folder, but if I couldn't erase it in sent, then I can't erase it from the new folder either. But I can move it back to sent.

Another odd problem is that I had been forwarding a series of eMails I get to it's own folder. These are always indicated thus: "[wpdg] Name of sender-topic" when I get them (Wednesday Poker Discussion Group), so the key was {wpdg} and they would move on arrival to their own folder. Now they don't; they show up in my inbox. I tried to re-key the code by going to message, create rule, and then using that to create a rule but now when I do that to a wpdg message the "[wpdg]" doesn't show up where the rule description section is, just the name and topic, with the [wpdg] trimmed off. When they show up in the inbox they DO have the [wpdg] as the leader.

This latter, of course, is a much smaller problem than the sent box problem, but it is unexplained and I feel like maybe it is linked in some way.

I very much appreciate your patience and your help.
Thanks, Lev!

bill

 

Later in the evening... All the problems are back. I can't even delete from my inbox now. What on earth could be going on here?

bill

 

First, have you made sure that you are current with Windows Update patches and fixes? There are a bunch of nasty bugs in Outlook Express that can leave you open to attacks from specially formatted emails -- with or without attachments. Some viruses can be activated and spread to others just by viewing a message in the preview pane, but ONLY if you are using an old, unpatched version of Outlook.

Next, is your anti-virus protection up to date? If your service has expired, renew it ASAP.

You might want to run a Anti-Virus scan with A squared link http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4281.html

Then you might want to run this which I believe Lev has given you before, I have just given it a little twist which might help, seeing as the problem has reappeared.

For Windows XP: Enable: Hidden files and folders:
Open My Computer,
Tools > Folder Options > View tab,
under Hidden Files and Folders,
verify Show Hidden Files and Folders is selected.
uncheck Hide Extensions for known file types
Apply, You will get a warning message, OK, to save and close.

THEN

Start > Search > For Files or Folders
All Files and Folders
key in:
.dbx
Look in: Local Drives
click the arrow for More Advanced Options
place a checkmark in:
Search System Folders
Search hidden files and folders
Search subfolders
Click Search

Locate the Folders.dbx file and rename it Folders.old (You can delete this later)

Attempt to open Outlook Express, if it opens, a fresh new Folders.dbx file will be created.
Give it a few minutes to open as the new Folders.dbx file will need to reindex the folders in Outlook Express

If this does not work, and the scan comes back clean, you still might have a nasty lurking, and the good folks in Malware can give you better advice than I. Hope that Helps

Just a note:- OE is responsible for aprox 50% (according to some sources) of Viral Infections on PC's running OE. So you might want to take a look at "Thunderbird".

 

Bill...can you list for me the security applications you are using i.e. antivirus, firewall, spam filter etc - if you don't have any of these, state so so I know. Also list malware removal software that you regularly run.

Can you boot into safe mode and delete/move emails okay in OE?

 

Lev and BCGray,
This gets more confusing every time I write. Now I can't even download ANY messages in OE; I get this error message:

An unknown error has occurred. Account: 'pop.west.cox.net', Server: 'pop.west.cox.net', Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800C0133

At one time, when I first got this computer in 2004, my wife had an account for email which she has not used for over two years.

Answers to questions:

Yes, I get the Windows updates sent automatically. They come every week or two; I always install them. The most recent was maybe a week ago. So I should be up-to-date.

My antiviral package is Norton protection center which includes anti-viral and incoming firewall. Here again, the updates are automatic; plus it is programmed to run a full scan evey Sunday night, which it does. I have had no significant findings of any kind, lately or ever.

I use Ad-Aware and run it every 2-3 weeks with updates. No signifiucant problems, just a few tracking cookies.

A squared was downloaded; it showed some medium risk findings associated with Party Poker. I haven't used that software for over a year; I deleted the thingfs it found and removed the Party Poker software.

I ran the search as instructed; there are actually five "folders.dbx" found, the most recent of which is in C;\Recycler dated 3 days ago. Some of the others are multiple also, and all the relevant folders show the most recent date of either 9/24 (today) or 9/21.

Should I rename ALL of the Folders.dbx to .old?
And what about the error message? I have messages waiting that I can't get.

One thing sticks out in my mind: Maybe 4 or 5 days ago I ran all my cleanup programs and then defragged. I ran a program called "Registry Mechanic" and it found some problems. I clicked "repair" and several items came up. No doubt unwisely I trusted the program, and I clicked "delete." That is the day all this stuff started; before that day everything worked fine. Is it possible I damaged something? And if so, is it possible to "go back" with some sort of reset?

The two of you must think I am an exasperating boob. Maybe. I know I am exasperated. I sure appreciate your interest and recommendations. What shall I now do?

bill

 

Bill just a shot try this:

Start
Run
"Msconfig"
System Restore
on the calendar go to a date prior to the problems appearing
Click yes to restore (if were lucky this may just undo your "Fix" if that is the problem)

OE recreates the Folders.dbx file, but it can not recreate a file with the same name and extension in the same Folder, as you can't so I would double check and just rename the file clearly label Folders.dbx. Unless you are running other accounts of OE.

On your Error Code Number: 0x800C0133

This might be a problem with your inbox file. Can you still access it from within OE? Then create a new local folder (wherever you like) and move all messages from inbox there. Then look for your storage folder in
Tools
/Options
/Maintenance
/Storefolder>,
close OE, go to this folder with Windows Explorer
delete the file inbox.dbx. ( you can also delete outbox.dbx)At next start, OE will create a new and empty file.

Also remember Bill, that even given that you have scanned your system with two anti-viral programs, there may still be a nasty that has gone undetected, and as I stated earlier that would be more in the realm of the good folks in "Malware". But lets try to exhaust all other possibilities first.

Hey your not exasperating we have all been there, and will be there again, just goes with computing Bro, and were all here to lend a hand.

 

Hi Bill,

Below are a couple of links that you should work through and see if this will correct the issues you are experiencing. If it still does not then take a trip to the Malware Forum and work through the Read and Run Me First

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/community/columns/oerepair.mspx

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318378

If you need any assistance working through those two links just holler

 

Until you get this resolved, you can access your mail via cox.net webmail, right?

 

I deleted the inbox.dbx and outbox.dbx as you said, BCGray. Then I opened OE and those boxes were again there. I have no way of telling if they are new or not, but they were there right away when I opened OE. I got the same error message about being unable to download.

Lev, I went to the two sites you suggest. In the basic repair kit, I had seen that before and had already deleted the temp files and compacted. It did nothing this time. I reregistered OE as he said and then attempted to reregister the libraries as he said.
The regsvr32 urlmon.dll loaded fine, and so did ...shdocvw.dll.
...mshtml.dll "Was loaded. But the dllRegisterServer entry point was not found. this file cannot be registered."
...browseul.dll and ...msjava.dll received thius message: "Load failed. The specified module could not be found."

None the less, I tried OE again, to no avail.

I looked at the MS download but it is for Ver.6 and I have Ver. 7. As usual, the thing was damn near unintelligible. I have not as yet done anything with it.

I realize malware is a possibility, but I just have to think it's more than a coincidence that when I "cleaned up" some files and deleted some things that the cleaner programs found not needed, that's when my problem began. I suspect I damaged the system in some way. Also, everything else about the computer seems to be working OK, including all aspects of IE.

USAF, I am embarrassed to say I don't know how to download eMail using IE. I will look around and see what I can find about doing it.

This just feels like falling into a bottomless pit.

I really, really appreciate the help and concern you three have shown. I hope we can lick this thing yet. And your presence makes me feel "less alone on an island."

bill

 

Bill did you try the "Restore" option, just asking because you addressed the other suggestions????

Just remember Bill were all here to help, and with the talent here we will get it resolved. Your posts back are just great, because they are helping all of us to zone in on the problem.

 

I don't know your geographic location, as it relates to your Internet service from cox.net but I'm guessing your home page looks like this one: http://sandiego.cox.net/cci/home

In the right column of that page, you see a section titled Tool Box. The first item under that title is WebMail Login. Clicking on that link would take you to a login page and, once logged on, you'll have access to your email via web browser. The mail is not downloaded; it remains on the mail server and will stay there until you delete it via WebMail or download it to OE or another POP mail client installed on your computer.

Being able to access your mail this way is not only convenient in situations like this but also if you ever want to access your email while away from home.

 

BCGRay, I'm sorry. I meant to, and even thought I had told you, I trued "restore" but there was no restore point available.
I'm hanging in there Buddy! And i thank you!

USAF,
I called Cox customer service (I live in Las Vegas) and they explained the very simple procedure. I was then able to download my eMail. Thanks!

bill

 

Just to be perfectly clear here, you mean you found out how to access your mail via WebMail, right? And, you still haven't resolved your OE problem?

Again, with WebMail, you really aren't "downloading" your mail. It is not downloaded to your computer. You merely view it via your web browser. It remains on your ISP's mail server. Once you've logged off, you need to logon again to view your mail again.

 

Hi, USAF

Sorry for the confusion on that! (As I said at the beginning, I am not too computer savvy.) I am able to VIEW my eMail on the internet via webmail. My problems with OE continue, unabated.

bill

 

Hey Bill,

How long have you been using Norton's? Is it just the Anti-Virus protection or part of a security suite? And, what did you use before Norton's?

Sometimes the "email scanning" feature can really bog OE down and cause it to be slow to respond.......real slow to respond at times. It might be worth your while to figure out how to disable that particular option and see if anything improves.

Steve

 

Hi Steve,

Thanks for responding. I have used Norton's since I bought the computer in 2004, about 6 mos ago my subscription came due, and I "upgraded" to what they call "Norton Protection Center" which includes Virus protection, inbound firewall, Windows Automatic update (I get that from MS also), protection updates, spyware protection, and full system scan. I have had no problems with it.

bill

 

Bill I hate to say this but why don't you try downloading Thunderbird E-Mail service, you can import all your OE addys. The reason I say this is that I have searched every where I can think, and other than a similar issue over a year ago, know one else seems to have run into a similar problem.

All the solutions that are known to work seem to have failed in your case

Thunderbird is available here http://majorgeeks.com/Mozilla_Thunderbird_d4064.html

I am not quitting on you Bill, but that is the best I can come up with for know

 

BCGray,

That is an interesting idea. Actually I had wondered if it were possible to delete OE and re-install it. Or, I have Outlook as part of Office 2003, which I guess I could use.

This has been so strange. When I got your message I brought up OE and it downloaded mail! I have done NOTHING! It's enough to make one believe in Poltergeists! The damn thing is mocking me! (But I still couldn't dlete the contents of the "sent" file.

Let me mull it over tonight. Do you use Thunderbird? I had never even heard of it (which doesn't mean anything.) Can you tell me a little about it?

You have been a real trooper. I don't feel like you are deserting me, at all. For all ya do, this one's for you! (as the ad says).

bill

 

I've read numerous favorable comments on Thunderbird and, from screen shots of it I've seen on the web, I believe it's more like OE than Outlook.

However, since you Outlook, trying it may well be worth the effort. Obviously, since it's not a free product, it's a rather full-featured software. Here's a screen shot from Outlook 2003 to show you the import options:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/farmpond/outlook_import.jpg

 

Bill,You can delete your "Sent Mailbox" and contents by

For Windows XP: Enable: Hidden files and folders:
Open My Computer,
Tools > Folder Options > View tab,
under Hidden Files and Folders,
verify Show Hidden Files and Folders is selected.
uncheck Hide Extensions for known file types
Apply, You will get a warning message, OK, to save and close.

THEN

Start > Search > For Files or Folders
All Files and Folders
key in:
outbox.dbx
Look in: Local Drives
click the arrow for More Advanced Options
place a checkmark in:
Search System Folders
Search hidden files and folders
Search subfolders
Click Search

Locate the outbox.dbx file and rename it outbox.old (You can delete this later, or just plain delete, just remember when it is gone so are all the "Sent Messages")

OE will make a new outbox.dbx when started

But I believe we have done that before..................


Re Thunderbird it is free and in my opinion more secure than OE, its relatively simply, but like any "New" program there will be a learning curve. Yes, you can run the two on your PC, and NO....OE6 is apart of Internet Explorer which is part of your OS so please do not delete it..... OE 7 is not, and neither is Vista's Email client apparently( I have no hands on knowledge on Vista, but there are a few here who can advise you on that)

I switched to T-Bird about four years ago when OE was being hit hard with Virus's, and have never looked back, and Yes you can import most of your settings and all Addy's from OE to T-Bird. Hope that Helps Bill

 

Actually, I believe there is no such thing as OE 7. When IE 7 was released, OE was no longer updated to the same version as IE, as had been the long standing practice of Microsoft. In other words, when you upgraded IE from 6 to 7, OE stayed at 6. And, Microsoft has no OE 7 download.

With Windows Vista, Windows Mail replaces OE. It's actually quite similar to OE. So, OE users who make the transition to Vista should not have much trouble getting used to Windows Mail.

 

You can make OE appear to be uninstalled by going to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components, and unselecting OE. But, all that does is remove it from the programs list and remove shortcuts or icons leading to it; it doesn't uninstall actual program files.

And, as BCGray said, don't try to manually delete OE program files. That could create even more problems with your computer.

 

I think you guys are right. I surrender.
I don't think this is malware. If I'm wrong it will surface later and i'll deal with it then.
I will decide tomorrow whether to use Outlook or TBird.
Thank you all so much. It would have been a lonely trip without you!

bill

 

Hey Bill Good Luck, and sorry none of us could seem to nail down your problem. Let us know how it goes Bro.

 

This is THE END!
I had Outlook 2003 as part of the Office 2003 package but had never even installed it. I did so this morning. The setup was a snap and I think I'm gonna really like using its features.

One last laugh out of OE. I went there this AM to find something, before I installed Outlook. It began downloading into the inbox! But it was the same message, over and over and over.

I don't know what went on there, but to OE, I bid farewell and adieu!

Thanks to all for your good humor and the sincere efforts to help me. In the end, it all worked out!

Best to all of you!

bill