XP wants to save "Outlook Express" files to save space??
Upon EVERY bootup XP PRO says it wants to compact OUTLOOK EXPRESS files for me to save space. I do NOT use Outlook Express. I have Never used it. I have cancelled out of it every time. I use ONLY Outlook as my mail program. This happened to an identical computer last month and war1 gave me a suggestion on editing a registry line. It fixed the problem. Now I have the exact same problem on this second Dell 690 workstation. However the line he had me look for is NOT in this computer's registry. How do I eliminate this message?
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Hi All. Let me restate that I have never used Outlook Express on this computer EVER. I've attached a jpg photo of my registry section in question. Would it not be simpler to just REMOVE Outlook Express from add/remove programs / Windows Files and be done with it? I'll never use it.
registry-capture.jpg
registry-capture.jpg
Can you confirm that you are seeing an entry in Add/Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components?
It is not shown there by default. If you are seeing it, then it is most likely that someone or something has messed with the C:\Windows\Inf\sysoc.inf file to make it display there. Even if it is showing there, I am sure that all it will do is to remove any Start Menu and Desktop shortcuts to Outlook Express rather than uninstall Outlook Express.
From what I can see of your Registry keys, and of the values under the ..\Outlook Express\5.0 key, Outlook Express certainly looks as though it has never been configured by any users, or else there would certainly be a lot more sub-keys and values showing.
I notice that the "Compact Check Count" is showing a decimal value of 120. That's the figure in brackets, while the 0x00000078 is the HexaDecimal equivalent. That seems odd to me for a start, because I am sure the counter uses the Decimal value when counting to 100 each time OE is opened and then closed.
Although there are a number of idiots reiterating the same thing in this discussion thread:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itproxpsp/thread/9c206033-d309-4f24-8018-ebbc3dff1abd/
there is one notable statement and suggestion made by the member named "Stocken" - Posted on 09 May 2008 23:49:58, about 3 quarters of the way down the page.
It is followed immediately by another member named DamirM who confirmed the cause as being a "counter" used by the CD Burning Software named Nero, and much further down the page the member named "tsgarp00" also confirms this.
Quotes:
"I used RegMon (http://technet.microsoft.com/sv-se/sysinternals/bb896652(en-us).aspx) to see that a process called NMIndexStoreSvr.exe was constantly reading and updating the Compact Check Count registry key. The exe file belongs to Ahead Nero and after renaming the file the annoying pop-ups have finally stopped!"
"I had the same problem with magic incrementing of 'Compact Check Count' registry value after installing SP3. In my case this problem occured through 'Nero burning rom' application. To determine that process changes 'Compact Check Count' registry value use Regmon with filter on this value name. In my case it was Nero indexing service. This problem was solved with reinstallation of the Nero".
HOWEVER, it would also seem (from that same discussion), that the "Windows Desktop Search" has been nailed as the sole or contributory cause. See the comment made by the member "stansley_MS" - Posted on 10 June 2008 05:42:35:
"I'm seeing this problem on XP SP3 too, but RegMon tells me that the process doing the constant update to the reg key is C:\WINDOWS\system32\Search
The member named "eagleton" posts immediately after that confirming that "Uninstallation of Windows Desktop Search solved this problem".
The discussion continues on a 2nd page.
There is a discussion group about the Windows Desktop Search here:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/windowsdesktopsearchhelp/threads/
One user asked this question there:
"how can I prevent windows desktop search from adding things automatically for indexing?"
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsdesktopsearchhelp/thread/9252bf7d-f12a-4801-943b-ad54f4688ed3
As you will see, it becomes a little bit complex with you having to add exclusions to what the program indexes.
It's clear that any process that indexes files possibly needs to access one or more programs or applications to ascertain paths, etc, and that makes it quite understandable that this could increment a "counter". I can only assume that the Nero indexing feature is used for a backup utility or similar.
In fact, my finding this discussion just jumps right in at what was going to be my very next suggestion, ie. to monitor what process is modifying your Registry.
OK, so I think you should monitor this registry activity. Here is a forum posting that directly discusses using the RegMon utility by SysInternals (now owned by Microsoft) to monitor exactly what is causing you the problems.
http://forum.sysinternals.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=18337
You can download RegMon from here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896652.aspx
If you need any help configuring and using it, just ask.
If you are hell-bent on removing Outlook Express from your system using the unofficial methods given in mildurait linked page, then be aware that the link at the very end of the page is dead. This is the link that is supposed to take you to a page where you can REinstall Outlook Express version 6. Just be aware that if you encounter any problems and need to restore Outlook Express, then you may be looking at having to do a repair install of Windows. That also may cause issues with any Windows Updates targeted specifically at Outlook Express (eg. the Cumulative Updates). The presence of these updates may also have some significance with Uninstalling OE.
The risk is up to you in the end, but I would hesitate in favour of trying to isolate the process that is modifying your registry.
I hope this helps
Bill
It is not shown there by default. If you are seeing it, then it is most likely that someone or something has messed with the C:\Windows\Inf\sysoc.inf file to make it display there. Even if it is showing there, I am sure that all it will do is to remove any Start Menu and Desktop shortcuts to Outlook Express rather than uninstall Outlook Express.
From what I can see of your Registry keys, and of the values under the ..\Outlook Express\5.0 key, Outlook Express certainly looks as though it has never been configured by any users, or else there would certainly be a lot more sub-keys and values showing.
I notice that the "Compact Check Count" is showing a decimal value of 120. That's the figure in brackets, while the 0x00000078 is the HexaDecimal equivalent. That seems odd to me for a start, because I am sure the counter uses the Decimal value when counting to 100 each time OE is opened and then closed.
Although there are a number of idiots reiterating the same thing in this discussion thread:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itproxpsp/thread/9c206033-d309-4f24-8018-ebbc3dff1abd/
there is one notable statement and suggestion made by the member named "Stocken" - Posted on 09 May 2008 23:49:58, about 3 quarters of the way down the page.
It is followed immediately by another member named DamirM who confirmed the cause as being a "counter" used by the CD Burning Software named Nero, and much further down the page the member named "tsgarp00" also confirms this.
Quotes:
"I used RegMon (http://technet.microsoft.com/sv-se/sysinternals/bb896652(en-us).aspx) to see that a process called NMIndexStoreSvr.exe was constantly reading and updating the Compact Check Count registry key. The exe file belongs to Ahead Nero and after renaming the file the annoying pop-ups have finally stopped!"
"I had the same problem with magic incrementing of 'Compact Check Count' registry value after installing SP3. In my case this problem occured through 'Nero burning rom' application. To determine that process changes 'Compact Check Count' registry value use Regmon with filter on this value name. In my case it was Nero indexing service. This problem was solved with reinstallation of the Nero".
HOWEVER, it would also seem (from that same discussion), that the "Windows Desktop Search" has been nailed as the sole or contributory cause. See the comment made by the member "stansley_MS" - Posted on 10 June 2008 05:42:35:
"I'm seeing this problem on XP SP3 too, but RegMon tells me that the process doing the constant update to the reg key is C:\WINDOWS\system32\Search
The member named "eagleton" posts immediately after that confirming that "Uninstallation of Windows Desktop Search solved this problem".
The discussion continues on a 2nd page.
There is a discussion group about the Windows Desktop Search here:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/windowsdesktopsearchhelp/threads/
One user asked this question there:
"how can I prevent windows desktop search from adding things automatically for indexing?"
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsdesktopsearchhelp/thread/9252bf7d-f12a-4801-943b-ad54f4688ed3
As you will see, it becomes a little bit complex with you having to add exclusions to what the program indexes.
It's clear that any process that indexes files possibly needs to access one or more programs or applications to ascertain paths, etc, and that makes it quite understandable that this could increment a "counter". I can only assume that the Nero indexing feature is used for a backup utility or similar.
In fact, my finding this discussion just jumps right in at what was going to be my very next suggestion, ie. to monitor what process is modifying your Registry.
OK, so I think you should monitor this registry activity. Here is a forum posting that directly discusses using the RegMon utility by SysInternals (now owned by Microsoft) to monitor exactly what is causing you the problems.
http://forum.sysinternals.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=18337
You can download RegMon from here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896652.aspx
If you need any help configuring and using it, just ask.
If you are hell-bent on removing Outlook Express from your system using the unofficial methods given in mildurait linked page, then be aware that the link at the very end of the page is dead. This is the link that is supposed to take you to a page where you can REinstall Outlook Express version 6. Just be aware that if you encounter any problems and need to restore Outlook Express, then you may be looking at having to do a repair install of Windows. That also may cause issues with any Windows Updates targeted specifically at Outlook Express (eg. the Cumulative Updates). The presence of these updates may also have some significance with Uninstalling OE.
The risk is up to you in the end, but I would hesitate in favour of trying to isolate the process that is modifying your registry.
I hope this helps
Bill
Useful looking discussions here that may help. I haven't read them fully or followed the related links though:
http://www.tech-archive.net/Archive/WinXP/microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support/2008-11/msg01871.html
http://www.windowskb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/outlook/8774/Compact-Check-Count-automaticly-increases-its-value
Google Search: http://tinyurl.com/djsbno
I do not use, and have no intention of using Windows Desktop search, so this is the reason I need to refer you to other pages.
http://www.tech-archive.net/Archive/WinXP/microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support/2008-11/msg01871.html
http://www.windowskb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/outlook/8774/Compact-Check-Count-automaticly-increases-its-value
Google Search: http://tinyurl.com/djsbno
I do not use, and have no intention of using Windows Desktop search, so this is the reason I need to refer you to other pages.
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ASKER
WOW!! What a difficult problem to eliminate one incorrect message. Many points of your Expert suggestions are WAY over my head. What I've done so far is to go to Add/Remove programs / windows components / and there I REMOVED Outlook Express. I rebooted. I STILL have the same incorrect advisory window popup! Hard to believe. I am on the phone with Microsoft XP / Outlook Express technicians in ( Some country ) and hoping to get a little hand holding to cure the mystery we have going here. I will post when I know more. Thanks to EVERYONE for your time and expertise!!
ASKER
It is FIXED now! WHEW!! I wil post a comment on exactly what fixed it. Thanks to ALL!
ASKER
With Windows XP Pro add/remove programs / Windows Components I removed Outlook Express. I rebooted. The message STILL appeared. After speaking with Microsoft the Technician changed the value of "Compact Check Count" from 153 to 0. This solved the problem I left Outlook Express uninstalled. The file enclosed shows the location of the line in question, 5th lilne from the top right. Thanks SO much for your in depth work.
registry-fix.jpg
registry-fix.jpg
Thank you for accepting my comment, but I have a feeling that the "solution" may have been premature.
I see that jcimarron recommended uninstalling Outlook Express from its listing in the "Add/Remove Windows Components". I am not arguing this, but I need to draw your attention to something that I mentioned earlier. It was probably one of the bits of information that you say went right over your head, so I will show you what I was talking about with a screenshot. I'll upload it now and then continue ...
Add-Remove-Progs-OE.jpg
I see that jcimarron recommended uninstalling Outlook Express from its listing in the "Add/Remove Windows Components". I am not arguing this, but I need to draw your attention to something that I mentioned earlier. It was probably one of the bits of information that you say went right over your head, so I will show you what I was talking about with a screenshot. I'll upload it now and then continue ...
Add-Remove-Progs-OE.jpg
ASKER
Yes, I saw that and brought it to the attention of the Microsoft Outlook Express Tech. She said that it was the way she expected to see it and that it was/is an integral part of the operating system. When it is "Removed" it really only totally disables it but does not release any HD space by doing so. I can see how any normal person might think that it is only removing a pointer or shortcut. I've rebooted several times and it seems perfect. I hope it stays that way. I DO want to give you special thanks for your intensive research into this for me. There REALLY ought to be a provision on this site for awarding "above and beyond" points to someone like you!! Thanks again.
Perhaps you won't recall exactly what your dialog showed you, but look at the amount of space used by "Outlook Express", and would therefore be the amount of space reclaimed by uninstalling it. Zero MB. Read the "Description" line and note that it "removes ACCESS TO" Outlook Express from the start menu.
Going back to what I mentioned earlier, when I first asked you:
"Can you confirm that you are seeing an entry in Add/Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components?
It is not shown there by default. If you are seeing it, then it is most likely that someone or something has messed with the C:\Windows\Inf\sysoc.inf file to make it display there. Even if it is showing there, I am sure that all it will do is to remove any Start Menu and Desktop shortcuts to Outlook Express rather than uninstall Outlook Express."
An *.inf file is a text-based file that holds instructions for processes like installing drivers, installing small programs, writing values to or removing them from the registry, copying files, etc, and is generally part of an installer routine. There are a great many *.inf files in the folder C:\Windows\Inf. Some were used during the installation of Windows, while some were created there later. In many cases they are actually used as the instruction file for uninstalling the same program that created the *.inf file at the time of installation.
The C:\Windows\Sysoc.inf file is an abbreviation for "System Optional Components". In it are lines that give program instructions when Windows Optional Components are removed (unchecked) or added (checked) in the Add/Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components dialog.
For example, let's say that you wanted to uninstall the Windows "Solitaire" game. That is under the Accessories and Utilities section > click Details > Click "Games" > click Details. You will see that it can be unchecked to uninstall it.
The line in the Sysoc.inf file that tells it how to uninstall this game (or reinstall it if you later check it again) is this:
Games=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,ga
So it cross-references to C:\Windows\Inf\Games.inf.
In that file are all the instructons for all of the Windows XP games that you see except Pinball.
The reason Pinball is not show there is because of this line in Sysoc.inf:
Pinball=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,
Note the "HIDE" instruction in there? That means that although it COULD be installed or uninstalled using the instructions in the file C:\Windows\Inf\pinball.inf
Looking specifically at the entry in the same dialog for Outlook Express, the Sysoc.inf file contains this instruction line:
OEAccess=ocgen.dll,OcEntry
which would show it, or (as is the case with my PC):
OEAccess=ocgen.dll,OcEntry
which would hide it.
So, it is cross-referenced to C:\Windows\Inf\oeaccess.in
OE_TIP = "Adds or removes access to Outlook Express from the Start menu"
So, in my humble opinion I DO NOT think your action has uninstalled Outlook Express. I suspect that it has just removed shortcuts to it that you would expect to see on the start menu (and maybe also Desktop and Taskbar) of a standard Windows XP installation.
Microsoft never intended that it be considered as an "Optional Component". That's the reason for the elaboate process described by the author of the page that mildurait linked to in the first comment in this question:
http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx
If it was as easy as clicking on the listed Outlook Express line in Add/Remove Programs, then there would be no need for that crafty inside removal method described.
I believe that Outlook Express still exists on your computer. This was exemplified by the fact that the "Compact" message still showed AFTER you believed that you had uninstalled Outlook Express. That message would have been issued by one of the Outlook Express progam files. All I believe that the Microsoft Tech did was reset the counter to One, so you will now have to wait and see how long it takes before the "Compact Messages" dialog pops up again.
A good clue to the probability that Outlook Express is still installed is the comparison with the first screenshot of your registry with the latest one. It has been more fully poplated, probably because OE has been opened and closed several times while looking at (my) suggestions.
The easiest way to find out is to go to the folder:
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express
There should be the following files in there for a standard install of OE:
msimn.exe (the hidden program executable for OE), msoe.dll, msoe.txt, msoeres.dll, oeimport.dll, oemig50.exe, oemiglib.dll, setup50.exe, wab.exe, wabfind.dll, wabimp.dll, wabmig.exe.
The "wab" files are related to the Windows Address Book, with wab.exe being the program that opens it.
So, assuming that you STILL have OE installed, then I would expect that whatever was incrementing that "Compact Check Count" registry value way above the 100 mark will do so again soon.
Looking back at the links I gave in my previous comments as I was exploring what programs or processes could be doing this, perhaps it will it simpler to understand what I was discussing if I just say this -
Any process that "indexes" files is actually accessing them and may be modifying them in some small way. Sometimes it is necessary for a process to query a program, as well as folders and files, to ascertain the whereabouts of related files or similar. It is possible for some programmatic functions to "open" a program without actually pulling it right up on the screen in front of you. In fact, you would be amazed if you were aware of the places on your desktop that are being occupied by hidden "windows" and dialogs used by programs that are running behind the scenes.
The people in the pages I linked to have discovered that two specific programs are directly quering and/or modifying the "Compact Check Count" registry value while those programs are indexing files. It is fair to assume either of the following possibilities in relation to this discovery:
(a) Those programs are messing with the wrong registry value because of bad programming
or
(b) Because the program settings include the indexing of files directly related to (or associated with) Outlook Express, these programs are "opening" Outlook Express each time they index the related files, and therefore are making it appear that OE has been opened and closed. The registry counter reaches the 100th time and activates the dialog suggesting you compact the OE folders.
The people who made these discoveries, or were pursuing a solution using other peoples' suggestions, used utility programs to monitor exactly what programs or processes were accessing the registry key in question.
The programs were found to be:
"Windows Desktop Search" - Program file: C:\Windows\system32\Search
"Nero" (Multifunctional CD Burning software) - running from the Windows Service named "NMIndexStoreSvr.exe" thought to be the actual program component used in "Nero Scout".
Both of these programs create databases of files on your hard drive for differing purposes, but essentially still do the same thing in that they search through folders and "index" files.
First off, are you aware whether you have either or both of these installed on your computer?
If you have Ahead Nero / Nero Burning Rom installed, I found this page that tells you how to disable "Nero Scout", or to configure it :
http://www.nero.com/eng/support-faq.html?s=sub&t=Scout
The purpose of configuring it would be to try and instruct it NOT to index the contents of folders relating to Outlook Express.
The Windows Desktop Search is something I have direct experience with but, according to the people in the pages I linked to earlier, seems to be much harder to configure and exclude specific files from being indexed. The general opinion, having discovered for themselves that Windows Desktop Search was causing the OE issue, was to just uninstall it.
Let us know whether the "Compact Check Count" value in the registry key starts incrementing again and we can consider the opions.
Going back to what I mentioned earlier, when I first asked you:
"Can you confirm that you are seeing an entry in Add/Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components?
It is not shown there by default. If you are seeing it, then it is most likely that someone or something has messed with the C:\Windows\Inf\sysoc.inf file to make it display there. Even if it is showing there, I am sure that all it will do is to remove any Start Menu and Desktop shortcuts to Outlook Express rather than uninstall Outlook Express."
An *.inf file is a text-based file that holds instructions for processes like installing drivers, installing small programs, writing values to or removing them from the registry, copying files, etc, and is generally part of an installer routine. There are a great many *.inf files in the folder C:\Windows\Inf. Some were used during the installation of Windows, while some were created there later. In many cases they are actually used as the instruction file for uninstalling the same program that created the *.inf file at the time of installation.
The C:\Windows\Sysoc.inf file is an abbreviation for "System Optional Components". In it are lines that give program instructions when Windows Optional Components are removed (unchecked) or added (checked) in the Add/Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components dialog.
For example, let's say that you wanted to uninstall the Windows "Solitaire" game. That is under the Accessories and Utilities section > click Details > Click "Games" > click Details. You will see that it can be unchecked to uninstall it.
The line in the Sysoc.inf file that tells it how to uninstall this game (or reinstall it if you later check it again) is this:
Games=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,ga
So it cross-references to C:\Windows\Inf\Games.inf.
In that file are all the instructons for all of the Windows XP games that you see except Pinball.
The reason Pinball is not show there is because of this line in Sysoc.inf:
Pinball=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,
Note the "HIDE" instruction in there? That means that although it COULD be installed or uninstalled using the instructions in the file C:\Windows\Inf\pinball.inf
Looking specifically at the entry in the same dialog for Outlook Express, the Sysoc.inf file contains this instruction line:
OEAccess=ocgen.dll,OcEntry
which would show it, or (as is the case with my PC):
OEAccess=ocgen.dll,OcEntry
which would hide it.
So, it is cross-referenced to C:\Windows\Inf\oeaccess.in
OE_TIP = "Adds or removes access to Outlook Express from the Start menu"
So, in my humble opinion I DO NOT think your action has uninstalled Outlook Express. I suspect that it has just removed shortcuts to it that you would expect to see on the start menu (and maybe also Desktop and Taskbar) of a standard Windows XP installation.
Microsoft never intended that it be considered as an "Optional Component". That's the reason for the elaboate process described by the author of the page that mildurait linked to in the first comment in this question:
http://www.tweakxp.com/article37318.aspx
If it was as easy as clicking on the listed Outlook Express line in Add/Remove Programs, then there would be no need for that crafty inside removal method described.
I believe that Outlook Express still exists on your computer. This was exemplified by the fact that the "Compact" message still showed AFTER you believed that you had uninstalled Outlook Express. That message would have been issued by one of the Outlook Express progam files. All I believe that the Microsoft Tech did was reset the counter to One, so you will now have to wait and see how long it takes before the "Compact Messages" dialog pops up again.
A good clue to the probability that Outlook Express is still installed is the comparison with the first screenshot of your registry with the latest one. It has been more fully poplated, probably because OE has been opened and closed several times while looking at (my) suggestions.
The easiest way to find out is to go to the folder:
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express
There should be the following files in there for a standard install of OE:
msimn.exe (the hidden program executable for OE), msoe.dll, msoe.txt, msoeres.dll, oeimport.dll, oemig50.exe, oemiglib.dll, setup50.exe, wab.exe, wabfind.dll, wabimp.dll, wabmig.exe.
The "wab" files are related to the Windows Address Book, with wab.exe being the program that opens it.
So, assuming that you STILL have OE installed, then I would expect that whatever was incrementing that "Compact Check Count" registry value way above the 100 mark will do so again soon.
Looking back at the links I gave in my previous comments as I was exploring what programs or processes could be doing this, perhaps it will it simpler to understand what I was discussing if I just say this -
Any process that "indexes" files is actually accessing them and may be modifying them in some small way. Sometimes it is necessary for a process to query a program, as well as folders and files, to ascertain the whereabouts of related files or similar. It is possible for some programmatic functions to "open" a program without actually pulling it right up on the screen in front of you. In fact, you would be amazed if you were aware of the places on your desktop that are being occupied by hidden "windows" and dialogs used by programs that are running behind the scenes.
The people in the pages I linked to have discovered that two specific programs are directly quering and/or modifying the "Compact Check Count" registry value while those programs are indexing files. It is fair to assume either of the following possibilities in relation to this discovery:
(a) Those programs are messing with the wrong registry value because of bad programming
or
(b) Because the program settings include the indexing of files directly related to (or associated with) Outlook Express, these programs are "opening" Outlook Express each time they index the related files, and therefore are making it appear that OE has been opened and closed. The registry counter reaches the 100th time and activates the dialog suggesting you compact the OE folders.
The people who made these discoveries, or were pursuing a solution using other peoples' suggestions, used utility programs to monitor exactly what programs or processes were accessing the registry key in question.
The programs were found to be:
"Windows Desktop Search" - Program file: C:\Windows\system32\Search
"Nero" (Multifunctional CD Burning software) - running from the Windows Service named "NMIndexStoreSvr.exe" thought to be the actual program component used in "Nero Scout".
Both of these programs create databases of files on your hard drive for differing purposes, but essentially still do the same thing in that they search through folders and "index" files.
First off, are you aware whether you have either or both of these installed on your computer?
If you have Ahead Nero / Nero Burning Rom installed, I found this page that tells you how to disable "Nero Scout", or to configure it :
http://www.nero.com/eng/support-faq.html?s=sub&t=Scout
The purpose of configuring it would be to try and instruct it NOT to index the contents of folders relating to Outlook Express.
The Windows Desktop Search is something I have direct experience with but, according to the people in the pages I linked to earlier, seems to be much harder to configure and exclude specific files from being indexed. The general opinion, having discovered for themselves that Windows Desktop Search was causing the OE issue, was to just uninstall it.
Let us know whether the "Compact Check Count" value in the registry key starts incrementing again and we can consider the opions.
Hee, hee. You were posting while was thinking about the best way to explain to you what I am thinking. It's not easy to simplify it too much without losing the whole meaning.
Anyway, keep us in touch over the next few days.
If you just want to see the value of "Compact Check Count" without having to open up Regedit each time, just Save the attached *.txt file to your Desktop and Right-Click > Rename and change the .txt to .cmd
Accept the prompts about changing file types.
Double-Click on the file.
The value shown will be a clear indication if it is going up again. anything higher than dword:00000001 means it has risen since the tech zero's it.
View-OE-Count.txt
Anyway, keep us in touch over the next few days.
If you just want to see the value of "Compact Check Count" without having to open up Regedit each time, just Save the attached *.txt file to your Desktop and Right-Click > Rename and change the .txt to .cmd
Accept the prompts about changing file types.
Double-Click on the file.
The value shown will be a clear indication if it is going up again. anything higher than dword:00000001 means it has risen since the tech zero's it.
View-OE-Count.txt
Maybe use this one instead. It deletes the temporary file that it created.
View-OE-Count.txt
View-OE-Count.txt
Hi Need-a-Clue
Has the "Compact Check Count" value in the registry risen above 1 yet?
I'm holding my breath in hope.
Has the "Compact Check Count" value in the registry risen above 1 yet?
I'm holding my breath in hope.
ASKER
It is all zeros except a "3" at the end. I'm not going to mess with it any more. It is driving everyone to a level of frustration that we need not be at. If it gives me the problem again I'll set it back to zero. This computer is RARELY ever turned off. Maybe that is why I've not had the problem till 2009. Bought it in 2006. Thanks for your Expert efforts.
Obviously something is still modifying that value as I thought, but as you say it's easy enough to set it back to Zero if and when it gets to 100 and shows the prompt again. You have 96 more increments before it does that, and that looks like one per day since it was zero'd, so you're looking at Thursday 2nd Juy 2009 before it gets ready to prompt you again, assuming the value is incremented once a day. If the value is only increased at power up or shutdown, then you may have until 2012 to wait!!
Regards
Bill
Regards
Bill
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/24148997/OUTLOOK-EXPRESS-wants-to-save-space-on-disk.html
So are you saying that when you open Regedit and expand your way down the left-hand pane to the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identiti
that there are no sub-keys named with that long hyphen-separated string of characters in { }
OR, are you saying that there IS or ARE keys with the {long-names}, BUT THAT when you expand your way down it/them to the:
\Software\Microsoft\Outloo
key, that there ISN'T a value (white icon with blue 1's and zero's showing as REG_DWORD) named "Compact Check Count"?
What normally happens with Outlook Express is that it creates a standard Profile Identity that it refers to as "Main Identity". If you then create another Identity, it will create a new set of keys under the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identit
Usually if the default one that was created is never used before a new identity is created, it's registry key will not have any sub-keys below the ...\Outlook Express\5.0 key, and the "5.0" key will have only a couple of values in it.
It's usually pretty apparent which of the {long-number} keys contains the data relating to a fully configured Outlook Express that has been used, but in your case this is a puzzle.
Can I make a suggestion. While you have Outlook Express open and following my suggested instruction in the last comment, you will see 4 check-boxes at the bottom of the "Maintenance" tab when you access the Tools menu > Options.
Check all of them, click the Apply button, and close Outlook Express. This will create *.log files amongst the *.dbx files in the "Store Folder" that you discovered from my suggestions. They will log all activity for those processes and can be looked at later if this problem returns.
If you open Outlook Express Tools menu > Accounts > "Mail" tab, the presence of any named accounts in the white field tells you that an email account has been created. Look also under the "News" tab.
In any event, I suggest that you run a full scan for viruses after updating your AntiVirus programs. I am suspicious as well as puzzled.