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Outlook Express deletes all my mail

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Name: Paul Austin
Date: June 13, 2005 at 06:23:59 Pacific
OS: XP Pro
CPU/Ram: 512mb
Comment:

I have just built a new system with XP Pro and outlook express. I opened OLE for the first time and my mail happily came down from the BT server. BUT as soon as I leave the Inbox all the mail disappears forever! Tested this a few times and it keeps happening. Do I need to change any settings so Outlook saves all my mail?



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Response Number 1
Name: ham30
Date: June 13, 2005 at 10:16:28 Pacific
Reply:

Very strange problem.

Create another folder and copy the Inbox to the new folder. See if the new folder is deleted also.

You might have to reinstall Outlook Express.


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Response Number 2
Name: ham30
Date: June 13, 2005 at 10:18:47 Pacific
Reply:

On second thought, it sounds very much like a virus. Try an online scan at http://housecall.antivirus.com/


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Response Number 3
Name: Derek
Date: June 13, 2005 at 14:06:01 Pacific
Reply:

Your problem might not be specific to XP but I'm curious as to why you chose the Win95/98 forum for this problem.

Derek.W


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Response Number 4
Name: sekirt
Date: June 13, 2005 at 18:02:33 Pacific
Reply:

I can't think of a reason right now. But until you solve it, why not leave a copy of the emails on the server? That way, you will at least be able to read the important ones. Delete the spam at the server.
OE->Tools->Accounts->Properties->Advanced Tab.

sekirt


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Response Number 5
Name: scottyuk30
Date: June 14, 2005 at 05:39:15 Pacific
Reply:

Sounds like a message rule.
Tools
Message rules
Mail

Check that the mail's not set to automatically delete when the inbox is filled.

HTH

scott.warburton@ntlworld.com
Feel free to email me.



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Response Number 6
Name: Paul Austin
Date: June 16, 2005 at 02:49:56 Pacific
Reply:

1- Thought it was an XP forum, sorry.
2- I have fully checked for a Virus and nothing.
3- No Mail rules setup
4- The Inbox empties, the folder does not disappear.
5- Its Outlook Express 6, Im not sure if there are any service packs though.
6- I have set so copy of mails stays on server.


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Response Number 7
Name: Derek
Date: June 16, 2005 at 07:56:47 Pacific
Reply:

I know of no setting that would fix this.

Maybe the Inbox folder has gone wonky. Do a search for Inbox.dbx (hopefully you are set to show system files and extensions - not sure of procedure in XP).

If you find Inbox.dbx delete it to the bin. The system should produce a new Inbox folder again after reboot, so you can see if this helps.

If the new Inbox file doesn't arrive then restore the old one from the bin.

If this doesn't help I can only suggest running IE Repair, or if still no joy uninstalling OLE and re-installing it.

I can give you the W98 method of getting IE repair but it would be best to wait for an XP type to give you this info if needed (just in case it is different).

DerekW


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Response Number 8
Name: sekirt
Date: June 16, 2005 at 10:53:46 Pacific
Reply:

I also do not know of a setting. This is a brand new install of OE? I would suggest installing again if fixing the inbox.dbx like Derek suggested doesn't work.

.DBX files are hidden on XP. You need to configure Windows to show all files. Start-> My Computer.

On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
Uncheck Hide protected operating system files. Then, under the "Hidden files" folder, click Show hidden files and folders.

Then go to Start->Search. Locate the path to your .DBX files.
============================

If you want to repair IE/OE for XP:
318378 - How to Repair IE/OE
============================

In general, don't store emails in your inbox. I know this may not apply for this particular situation - but once you aquire some emails. :) Make custom folders for them.

There does happen to be a setting for sent emails.
OE->Tools->Options->Send Tab. Check this off: Save copy of sent messages in the 'Sent Items' folder
============================

Lastly, don't know if you lost any valuable emails, you might be able to recover them. Here is a nice freeware program I discovered:

OE Viewer is for Microsoft Outlook Express 5/6 message database files (.dbx). Just browse for the .dbx file, open it and the program will display a list of all contained messages and their header. You can choose to view the messages in text or HTML view, sort them and also save them as standard .eml files. Additional features include support for attachments and printing.

http://www.mitec.cz/Downloads/OEView.zip

sekirt


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Response Number 9
Name: yssaroha
Date: July 1, 2005 at 20:06:14 Pacific
Reply:

Hi Paul,
This problem is seen if a person is using mcafee virus scan.
The details are available at
http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com/problems/bugs.htm#mailgone

If you are using mcafee, then patch for this is available at
http://download.mcafee.com/us/updates/upgrade_patches.asp

I guess this should sort out your problem.

Yogi


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