How to Find Outlook Express Compacted Mail
Compacting email in Outlook Express can sometimes lead to corruption and missing email. This may occur when the .dbx file is being compacted and you close Outlook Express or your system crashes. You can find the missing email in just a few minutes.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Browse to the Microsoft Support Page and download and install the MS06-076 update. This will create a backup of the .dbx file each time the database is compacted.
-
2
Exit Outlook Express and double-click on the "Recycle Bin." If the .dbx file (likely named inbox.dbx) is in the "Recycle Bin" then right-click on the file and select "Restore." Open Outlook Express.
-
-
3
Show all files by double-clicking "Computer" in Windows Vista or "My Computer" in Windows XP. Select "Tools" and then "Folder Options." Click the "View" tab and make sure "Show hidden files and folders" is checked.
-
4
Open Outlook Express and click on "Options" and then "Tools." Select the "Maintenance" tab and click the "Store Folder" button. Note the location of the Store Folder. Shut down Outlook Express.
-
5
Browse to the Store Folder location and note whether or not you have .dbx files located there. Do not click on any of the .dbx files as this may further corrupt them.
-
6
Move your corrupt .dbx file into a new folder that you create, and replace it with a backup of your .dbx file.
-
7
Download and install a third-party .dbx recovery tool in the event that you do not have a backup copy of your .dbx file. One of the most popular free .dbx recovery tools is DBXtract. Other licensed software includes Repair Tool for Outlook Express and Easy Outlook Express Repair.
-
8
Follow the instructions for the third-party .dbx recovery tool to repair your corrupted .dbx file.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit email simbol image by vladislav susoy from Fotolia.com
