This is wierd. Outlook Express suddenly disabled the delete button. It just doesn't work. Everything else seems to be ok. I tried several ways to delete unwanted eMail--to no avail. I finally came up with an idea that works. I create a new folder, transfer the unwanted items to it, and when I have a sufficient number, I delete the folder. That works but seems stupid. I've tried numerous fixes I found on the'net--none fixed the problem. I tried MS to see if I couldn't reload OE--no dice. What gives?

Hello Rafellis! Welcome to PCHF!

We have a fantastic team of techs here as well as a very knowledgeable member community and I am sure we will be able to help you

I will mark your thread as open and someone will be with you as soon as possible, thank you for your patience.

Regards,

Smokeycheech

Hello & Welcome Raffellis!

OE becomes a bit flaky when the OE database file gets a bit large. The database can corrupt. Suggest that you perform the following to resolve.

It sounds to me like either your Inbox files are corrupted or your deleted items files are corrupted. Both situations could cause your emails to remain in your Inbox when trying to delete them.

Search your system for a file called Deleted Items.dbx and delete it when you find it (Outlook Express will automatically create a new one for you.) It is a hidden file so before you search, open Windows Explorer and click TOOLS--> FOLDER OPTIONS --> VIEW and select the radio button labeled "Show Hidden Files and Folders"

It should be found in a path similar to the one below.

C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR USERNAME\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\YOUR IDENTITY NUMBER\Microsoft\Outlook Express

If deleting your Deleted Items.dbx file doesn't work, try to select all the messages in your inbox and drag them to a folder on your desktop. If they copy correctly to that folder, you can then search your system for your Inbox.dbx file and delete it as well. It too will be in the same path as above and will be recreated by Outlook Express. Then open Outlook Express again and send a test email to yourself and try to delete it again. If your problem is solved, you can try to drag your messages back into your Inbox from the folder that you copied them to on your desktop.

OK, I searched but there is no file with that name or anything with delete in it. I found all the other folders bu not that one. Should I create one with that name? Could this be the problem, i.e. no dbx file with deleteted items?

Are you certain that you have enabled the SHOW Hidden Files & Folders?

OK, I found and deleted it. Reopened OE and got the same results. Here's where I found it.
C:/Program Files/Outlook Express/Deleted Items.dbx

Is it also someplace else?

I also found it in C:/Documents and Settings/my name/My Documents/Me Email/Deleted Items.dbx. I deleted it --same result. It's persistent!