Odd Outlook Express Issue Fixed

A few days ago I started receiving the error message on my computer in a popup window, “To free up disk space Outlook Express can compact messages. This may take a few minutes.”  There are 2 options: OK and Cancel.

The interesting thing is that I never installed or use Outlook Express.

How did this happen??

Well, apparently this is caused by Windows XP SP3 and Windows Desktop Search (which I also installed)…ugh.  here’s quite a lively forum chat over at Microsoft on this subject also.

(One note of caution.  Be very careful when modifying your registry.  If you do not feel comfortable doing it, please don’t do it.  Any inadvertent changes or mistakes could cause disastrous effects..)

Here’s how to stop it from occurring:

1. Close all programs.

2. Create a Restore Point

3.  Find this key in the registry:  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{GUID}\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0

4.  Double click the Compact Check Count

5.  Select the Base option for Decimal and change the value to 0

6.  Close the Registry

Kerry enjoys writing about a variety of topics.  Her favorite website is CallCatalog.com which is a reverse phone directory website.  You can also read her blog which discusses personal privacy issues.