Microsoft KB Archive/230187

= Cannot View E-Mail Messages in Outlook Express Folder =

Article ID: 230187

Article Last Modified on 1/24/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 Service Pack 1
 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 Service Pack 2
 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.0
 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 Service Pack 2
 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 Service Pack 1
 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.01 Service Pack 2
 * Microsoft Outlook Express 4.0
 * Microsoft Windows 98 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q230187



SYMPTOMS
When you view the properties of an e-mail folder in Outlook Express, the properties may indicate that the folder contains e-mail messages even though there are no messages in the folder.



CAUSE
This issue can occur if the index (.IDX) file associated with the folder is corrupt.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
 * 1) Back up the IDX and MBX files associated with the Outlook Express\Mail folder.

NOTE: The default location for these files is \Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Mail, where  is the drive and path where Windows is installed.


 * 1) Quit Outlook Express.
 * 2) Delete the IDX file for the folder that you cannot view correctly in the \Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Mail folder.
 * 3) Open Outlook Express.

The Index files are created when Outlook Express starts.

NOTE: If you move new messages into the folder before you correct this issue, the IDX and MBX files may be synchronized and you may not be able to retrieve the messages using this process.

Keywords: kbui kbprb KB230187

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