Outlook express could not be started

I have a new Dell Dimension, XP Media Center Edition. I use Outlook Express
6.0 to read my email from my DSL provider. OE works fine the first time I
get in and use it (after reboot); sometimes works fine a second time too.
However, when I try to get in the third time, I double click the icon and it
does nothing. When I do ctl-alt-del, it shows msimn.exe still running, even
though I closed it. When I right-click to
run via my shortcut, or via the start menu, I get the following error:
"Outlook
express could not be started because your computer is low on system
resources.
Most likely the problem is your computer is low on memory or unstable". I am
using OE version 6.00.2900.2180.

I've done my system updates. No viruses found either. I found this problem
on google, but MS didn't mention it.

Also, I can't click on 'mail here' links on Internet Explorer, because Outlook
Express won't open. When I end process msimn.exe, I can get back into Outlook
Express, can use 'mail here' links on the net, etc.

Why isn't OE shutting down? Please help!

"Heather Westrick" <Heather Westrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:EC161954-68E6-4665-A356-274576F960C7@microsoft.com...
>I have a new Dell Dimension, XP Media Center Edition. I use Outlook
>Express
> 6.0 to read my email from my DSL provider. OE works fine the first time I
> get in and use it (after reboot); sometimes works fine a second time too.
> However, when I try to get in the third time, I double click the icon and
> it
> does nothing. When I do ctl-alt-del, it shows msimn.exe still running,
> even
> though I closed it. When I right-click to
> run via my shortcut, or via the start menu, I get the following error:
> "Outlook
> express could not be started because your computer is low on system
> resources.
> Most likely the problem is your computer is low on memory or unstable". I
> am
> using OE version 6.00.2900.2180.
>
> I've done my system updates. No viruses found either. I found this
> problem
> on google, but MS didn't mention it.
>
> Also, I can't click on 'mail here' links on Internet Explorer, because
> Outlook
> Express won't open. When I end process msimn.exe, I can get back into
> Outlook
> Express, can use 'mail here' links on the net, etc.
>
> Why isn't OE shutting down? Please help!

Two questions:

1) How many other applications are you running, and what type are they? Word
processor? Music or photo software? Are you shutting them down and
restarting them all day?

2) Why do you keep shutting down and restarting OE? Why not just leave it
running?

Doug,
Thanks for your response. No other applications are running (not even Word
or anything, or Media Player). I am shutting it down for no reason, just a
habit of closing out when done (I've only had DSL for two weeks).

"Doug Kanter" wrote:

>
> "Heather Westrick" <Heather Westrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:EC161954-68E6-4665-A356-274576F960C7@microsoft.com...
> >I have a new Dell Dimension, XP Media Center Edition. I use Outlook
> >Express
> > 6.0 to read my email from my DSL provider. OE works fine the first time I
> > get in and use it (after reboot); sometimes works fine a second time too.
> > However, when I try to get in the third time, I double click the icon and
> > it
> > does nothing. When I do ctl-alt-del, it shows msimn.exe still running,
> > even
> > though I closed it. When I right-click to
> > run via my shortcut, or via the start menu, I get the following error:
> > "Outlook
> > express could not be started because your computer is low on system
> > resources.
> > Most likely the problem is your computer is low on memory or unstable". I
> > am
> > using OE version 6.00.2900.2180.
> >
> > I've done my system updates. No viruses found either. I found this
> > problem
> > on google, but MS didn't mention it.
> >
> > Also, I can't click on 'mail here' links on Internet Explorer, because
> > Outlook
> > Express won't open. When I end process msimn.exe, I can get back into
> > Outlook
> > Express, can use 'mail here' links on the net, etc.
> >
> > Why isn't OE shutting down? Please help!
>
> Two questions:
>
> 1) How many other applications are you running, and what type are they? Word
> processor? Music or photo software? Are you shutting them down and
> restarting them all day?
>
> 2) Why do you keep shutting down and restarting OE? Why not just leave it
> running?
>
>
>

I asked because most software does not release the memory it uses after you
shut it down. Little by little, as the day goes on, you end up with less
memory ("resources") available. Do this: Do a reboot. Not from "standby",
but a restart. Then, start OE, shut it down, and start it again. Does it
exhibit the problem at that point, after just one start/shutdown cycle? If
not, how many cycles does it take?


"Heather Westrick" <HeatherWestrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:0B650AF0-FFDD-4B99-B2CE-84850E7A3867@microsoft.com...
> Doug,
> Thanks for your response. No other applications are running (not even
> Word
> or anything, or Media Player). I am shutting it down for no reason, just
> a
> habit of closing out when done (I've only had DSL for two weeks).
>
> "Doug Kanter" wrote:
>
>>
>> "Heather Westrick" <Heather Westrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message news:EC161954-68E6-4665-A356-274576F960C7@microsoft.com...
>> >I have a new Dell Dimension, XP Media Center Edition. I use Outlook
>> >Express
>> > 6.0 to read my email from my DSL provider. OE works fine the first
>> > time I
>> > get in and use it (after reboot); sometimes works fine a second time
>> > too.
>> > However, when I try to get in the third time, I double click the icon
>> > and
>> > it
>> > does nothing. When I do ctl-alt-del, it shows msimn.exe still running,
>> > even
>> > though I closed it. When I right-click to
>> > run via my shortcut, or via the start menu, I get the following error:
>> > "Outlook
>> > express could not be started because your computer is low on system
>> > resources.
>> > Most likely the problem is your computer is low on memory or unstable".
>> > I
>> > am
>> > using OE version 6.00.2900.2180.
>> >
>> > I've done my system updates. No viruses found either. I found this
>> > problem
>> > on google, but MS didn't mention it.
>> >
>> > Also, I can't click on 'mail here' links on Internet Explorer, because
>> > Outlook
>> > Express won't open. When I end process msimn.exe, I can get back into
>> > Outlook
>> > Express, can use 'mail here' links on the net, etc.
>> >
>> > Why isn't OE shutting down? Please help!
>>
>> Two questions:
>>
>> 1) How many other applications are you running, and what type are they?
>> Word
>> processor? Music or photo software? Are you shutting them down and
>> restarting them all day?
>>
>> 2) Why do you keep shutting down and restarting OE? Why not just leave it
>> running?
>>
>>
>>

Doug,
I did a restart. I started OE, shut it down, and restarted. It exhibits
the problem from one OR two start/shutdown cycles, depending on what it feels
like doing. If I go into task manager and end task on msimn.exe, I can get
back into OE, no problem. I'm going into a meeting for a few hours and will
check back later for reply (8pm CT), thanks so much for your help again.

"Doug Kanter" wrote:

> I asked because most software does not release the memory it uses after you
> shut it down. Little by little, as the day goes on, you end up with less
> memory ("resources") available. Do this: Do a reboot. Not from "standby",
> but a restart. Then, start OE, shut it down, and start it again. Does it
> exhibit the problem at that point, after just one start/shutdown cycle? If
> not, how many cycles does it take?
>
>
> "Heather Westrick" <HeatherWestrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:0B650AF0-FFDD-4B99-B2CE-84850E7A3867@microsoft.com...
> > Doug,
> > Thanks for your response. No other applications are running (not even
> > Word
> > or anything, or Media Player). I am shutting it down for no reason, just
> > a
> > habit of closing out when done (I've only had DSL for two weeks).
> >
> > "Doug Kanter" wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> "Heather Westrick" <Heather Westrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message news:EC161954-68E6-4665-A356-274576F960C7@microsoft.com...
> >> >I have a new Dell Dimension, XP Media Center Edition. I use Outlook
> >> >Express
> >> > 6.0 to read my email from my DSL provider. OE works fine the first
> >> > time I
> >> > get in and use it (after reboot); sometimes works fine a second time
> >> > too.
> >> > However, when I try to get in the third time, I double click the icon
> >> > and
> >> > it
> >> > does nothing. When I do ctl-alt-del, it shows msimn.exe still running,
> >> > even
> >> > though I closed it. When I right-click to
> >> > run via my shortcut, or via the start menu, I get the following error:
> >> > "Outlook
> >> > express could not be started because your computer is low on system
> >> > resources.
> >> > Most likely the problem is your computer is low on memory or unstable".
> >> > I
> >> > am
> >> > using OE version 6.00.2900.2180.
> >> >
> >> > I've done my system updates. No viruses found either. I found this
> >> > problem
> >> > on google, but MS didn't mention it.
> >> >
> >> > Also, I can't click on 'mail here' links on Internet Explorer, because
> >> > Outlook
> >> > Express won't open. When I end process msimn.exe, I can get back into
> >> > Outlook
> >> > Express, can use 'mail here' links on the net, etc.
> >> >
> >> > Why isn't OE shutting down? Please help!
> >>
> >> Two questions:
> >>
> >> 1) How many other applications are you running, and what type are they?
> >> Word
> >> processor? Music or photo software? Are you shutting them down and
> >> restarting them all day?
> >>
> >> 2) Why do you keep shutting down and restarting OE? Why not just leave it
> >> running?
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Doug Kanter wrote:

> I asked because most software does not release the memory it uses after you
> shut it down. Little by little, as the day goes on, you end up with less
> memory ("resources") available.

Not the cause. I dunno what is, but that is definitely not the cause.

I have a six-year old home-built with only 256mb of RAM that is on 24x7
and I've NEVER had that problem. NEVER. And I open and close programs
repeatedly over the course of a week or two (between reboots).

Thanks, Uncle Grumpy. I don't have this problem with any other software
either. It's unbelieveably frustrating.

"Uncle Grumpy" wrote:

>
> Doug Kanter wrote:
>
> > I asked because most software does not release the memory it uses after you
> > shut it down. Little by little, as the day goes on, you end up with less
> > memory ("resources") available.
>
> Not the cause. I dunno what is, but that is definitely not the cause.
>
> I have a six-year old home-built with only 256mb of RAM that is on 24x7
> and I've NEVER had that problem. NEVER. And I open and close programs
> repeatedly over the course of a week or two (between reboots).
>
>

Heather

It sounds like corruption of folders.dbx.

Try placing the cursor on Outlook Express in the Folder List, select File,
Work Offline followed by File, Folder, Compact All. Then reboot and test
to see whether the problem is cured.

If the problem is still there you will need to delete folders.dbx, which
will
lose your folder structure but should eliminate the problem.

Using Windows XP you need to enable show hidden files. Start, Control
Panel, Folder Options, View, Advanced Settings. Next enter Windows
Explorer. Using Tools, Find, Files and Folders search your C drive with
"folder*.dbx" without quotes as the search criteria and delete
folders.dbx.

http://www.insideoe.com/problems/performance.htm



--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




"Heather Westrick" <HeatherWestrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:E72A643F-C999-4DBF-A93E-D75DEA147802@microsoft.com...
> Thanks, Uncle Grumpy. I don't have this problem with any other software
> either. It's unbelieveably frustrating.
>
> "Uncle Grumpy" wrote:
>
>>
>> Doug Kanter wrote:
>>
>> > I asked because most software does not release the memory it uses after
>> > you
>> > shut it down. Little by little, as the day goes on, you end up with
>> > less
>> > memory ("resources") available.
>>
>> Not the cause. I dunno what is, but that is definitely not the cause.
>>
>> I have a six-year old home-built with only 256mb of RAM that is on 24x7
>> and I've NEVER had that problem. NEVER. And I open and close programs
>> repeatedly over the course of a week or two (between reboots).
>>
>>

Thanks Gerry. I followed both options you suggested, neither solved the
problem. I still have to end process on msimn.exe after one or two
starts/shut downs.

"Gerry Cornell" wrote:

> Heather
>
> It sounds like corruption of folders.dbx.
>
> Try placing the cursor on Outlook Express in the Folder List, select File,
> Work Offline followed by File, Folder, Compact All. Then reboot and test
> to see whether the problem is cured.
>
> If the problem is still there you will need to delete folders.dbx, which
> will
> lose your folder structure but should eliminate the problem.
>
> Using Windows XP you need to enable show hidden files. Start, Control
> Panel, Folder Options, View, Advanced Settings. Next enter Windows
> Explorer. Using Tools, Find, Files and Folders search your C drive with
> "folder*.dbx" without quotes as the search criteria and delete
> folders.dbx.
>
> http://www.insideoe.com/problems/performance.htm
>
>
>
> --
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Gerry
> ~~~~
> FCA
> Stourport, England
>
> Enquire, plan and execute
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>
>
>
> "Heather Westrick" <HeatherWestrick@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message news:E72A643F-C999-4DBF-A93E-D75DEA147802@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks, Uncle Grumpy. I don't have this problem with any other software
> > either. It's unbelieveably frustrating.
> >
> > "Uncle Grumpy" wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> Doug Kanter wrote:
> >>
> >> > I asked because most software does not release the memory it uses after
> >> > you
> >> > shut it down. Little by little, as the day goes on, you end up with
> >> > less
> >> > memory ("resources") available.
> >>
> >> Not the cause. I dunno what is, but that is definitely not the cause.
> >>
> >> I have a six-year old home-built with only 256mb of RAM that is on 24x7
> >> and I've NEVER had that problem. NEVER. And I open and close programs
> >> repeatedly over the course of a week or two (between reboots).
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Start here: http://www.insideoe.com/problems/errors.htm#crash

General OE Caveats:

- Don't use Inbox or Sent Items to archive messages. Move them to local
folders created for this purpose.

- Empty Deleted Items folder daily.

- Disable Background Compacting [N/A in SP2] and frequently perform a manual
compact of all OE folders while "working offline". More at
http://www.insideoe.com/files/maintain.htm.

- Do not attempt to close OE via Task Manager or shutdown your machine if
Automatic Compacting is taking place (WinXP SP2 only).

- Your anti-virus application's email scanning feature can also cause
corruption. Disable it. It provides no additional protection.

--
OE6-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsof...tlooke xpress
OE General newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsof...xpress.general

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org


Heather Westrick wrote:
> I have a new Dell Dimension, XP Media Center Edition. I use Outlook
> Express
> 6.0 to read my email from my DSL provider. OE works fine the first time I
> get in and use it (after reboot); sometimes works fine a second time too.
> However, when I try to get in the third time, I double click the icon and
> it does nothing. When I do ctl-alt-del, it shows msimn.exe still
> running, even though I closed it. When I right-click to
> run via my shortcut, or via the start menu, I get the following error:
> "Outlook
> express could not be started because your computer is low on system
> resources.
> Most likely the problem is your computer is low on memory or unstable". I
> am using OE version 6.00.2900.2180.
>
> I've done my system updates. No viruses found either. I found this
> problem on google, but MS didn't mention it.
>
> Also, I can't click on 'mail here' links on Internet Explorer, because
> Outlook Express won't open. When I end process msimn.exe, I can get back
> into Outlook Express, can use 'mail here' links on the net, etc.
>
> Why isn't OE shutting down? Please help!