Extremely SLOW load up for Outlook express

If you have disabled Windows Messenger, this will cause OE to load slow while it searches for Messenger to load. If this is the case, you may find a fix under Win XP Tips here:

http://www.dougknox.com/

Yeah, just uncheck that box (Tools -> Option -> uncheck Automatically log on to Windows Messenger option)

... You also may want to uncheck Send and receive messages at startup (just in case OE hangs looking for your Internet connection).

Another thing to try:

Go to your mail folders and delete all mail that you don't need (if any). Then click File -> Folder -> Compact All Folders.

If that doesn't help, one of your *.DBX files may be damaged. OE keeps all mail in DBX files - one file per mail folder. To see where the files are, go back to Options, switch to Maintenance tab, and push Store Folder button. On my computer it’s:

C:\Documents and Settings\[USER_NAME]\Local Settings\Application Data\
Identities\{6AF62B65-5E47-4A23-B4E2-D970F990E7BB}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

If you rename the *.DBX files (Inbox.dbx to OLDInbox.dbx, etc.), OE will recreate fresh (empty) copies on next start. Then you can import your old mail from the renamed files using Import wizard (File -> Import -> Messages).

Note: Keep OE closed when renaming files.

Another quick question: What did I have to do to make this happen in the first place? When I first started to use OE it was fine. I don't remember what I could have done to make this happen.

I don't see any option for Automatically log on to Windows Messenger option. I looked everywhere in the Option menus but I cant find it!!