/ Outlook Express Not Responding Error

Outlook Express Not Responding Error

I keep getting a “not responding” message when I try to open Outlook Express. My computer takes forever to open a lot of the windows. I also get the “not responding” message sometimes when I try to log on to the Internet. Ideas? Celeste Stewart

Not Responding Messages

Both Outlook Express and Internet Explorer require large amounts of system resources and are often running all the time. When your computer generates a “not responding” message, it usually indicates that there’s not enough memory available or that a process is taking longer than expected.

Outlook Express Not Responding Error

Outlook Express comes with a “compacting” tool that can repair damage and solve miscellaneous errors such as the “not responding” error. The more you use Outlook Express, the larger and less organized its database becomes. Compacting this database makes Outlook Express run more efficiently.

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To compact Outlook Express, make sure it is offline so that new messages do not disrupt the process. You may need to do this in Safe Mode in order to get Outlook Express to open. If Outlook Express opens, go to File > Folder > Compact all folders. This takes quite a few minutes to complete. Do not run any other programs during this process. You may need to repeat this several times, especially if additional errors are generated. Try at least three times, even going so far as to reboot in between attempts.

If Outlook Express will not open at all, try disabling any anti-spam tools that you might have in your antivirus software package. These can sometimes interfere with Outlook Express loading. Other potential problems involve having an overloaded Inbox or Sent Items folder. Move messages from these folders into local folders. You’ll find that Outlook Express runs much more efficiently when these folders are not overloaded. In addition, you should empty your Deleted Items folder every few days.

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If you have your original Windows installation disc, you can run the System File Checker utility to check your operating system for damaged or missing files. If Outlook Express is damaged, this utility will replace its damaged files with clean copies from the disc. To run it, insert the disc and go to Start > Run. Type in cmd and click the OK button. Next, type in sfc /scannow and then press the Enter key.

Let the process run and follow any directions given. You’ll need to reboot the computer once the process is complete.

Internet Explorer Not Responding Error

The System File Checker may also solve your Internet Explorer not responding issue. Both Outlook Express and Internet Explorer have been revamped recently, so you may want to upgrade to the latest versions. This too, may solve your problems. Outlook Express has been replaced by Windows Live Mail and Internet Explorer is now in its eighth version, Internet Explorer 8.0.

General Not Responding Errors

Since your computer is generating not responding errors in several programs, it may have too many programs running at once. While you can limit what programs you open yourself, if your computer is running programs that you don’t know about (like spyware and viruses), then you’re obviously not aware that they are running and therefore can’t limit them. That’s where a good antivirus/antispyware program is a must. If you don’t have such a program, we can’t stress the importance of investing in one pronto! If you do currently have a program, update it and run a full system scan.

Next, let’s limit the programs that are loading each time you start Windows. You’ll do this by going to Start > Run and typing in msconfig. Press Enter and click the Startup Items tab. Remove marks by programs that you recognize and don’t need running at all times such as Acrobat Reader. Search the Internet for programs and processes that you don’t recognize before disabling those.