Outlook Express

I am unable to read my Email due to an error message when
I try to log in stating "Outlook Express has encountered
a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for . . . "

"Please tell Microsoft about this problem.

I have sent numerous "Error Reports" but not received a
reply nor have HP's advise helped.

HELP !!

The error reports go into a database that alerts Microsoft to problems and
issues with an application to be corrected either on an ongoing basis or
with future updates.

This type of error is usually caused by a conflict with hardware or
software. You might find additional information about the error in the
Event Log. Go to Control Panel, open Administrative Tools and open Event
Log. Look for a recurring event that coincides with when you receive this
error. Double click and check the information. If it just refers to
Outlook Express with no other information the only way to source this is by
trial an error.

Start by making sure your drivers for all your hardware are up to date,
especially your soundcard and graphics card. Do not rely on Windows Update
for this, visit the web sites of the manufacturers of your various hardware
devices and visit HP's site for any updates as well.

Then make sure all your applications are up to date, make sure they are all
compatible with XP.

If everything is up to date, you may need to start removing applications one
by one in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel to see if the problem goes
away after one such removal. If yes, then you've found the application.
The same might be true of hardware devices but start with applications.
--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend

"Tony" <ajlees@charter.net> wrote in message
news:543501c341a5$66150a10$a401280a@phx.gbl...
> I am unable to read my Email due to an error message when
> I try to log in stating "Outlook Express has encountered
> a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for . . . "
>
> "Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
>
> I have sent numerous "Error Reports" but not received a
> reply nor have HP's advise helped.
>
> HELP !!

Michael,
Thank you for your help. I've gone to Control
Panel/Admin Tools/Event Log and found that "Fault
application is msimn.exe, Ver 6.0 ..." and
"Fault Module is directdb.dll, Ver 6.0 ..." but that
is GREEK to me. Can you give any further help???
You may reply via Email at AJLees@charter.net if easier
for you. I can get Email via backdoor thru internet.
Thanks in advance, Tony
*************************************
>-----Original Message-----
>The error reports go into a database that alerts
Microsoft to problems and
>issues with an application to be corrected either on an
ongoing basis or
>with future updates.
>
>This type of error is usually caused by a conflict with
hardware or
>software. You might find additional information about
the error in the
>Event Log. Go to Control Panel, open Administrative
Tools and open Event
>Log. Look for a recurring event that coincides with
when you receive this
>error. Double click and check the information. If it
just refers to
>Outlook Express with no other information the only way
to source this is by
>trial an error.
>
>Start by making sure your drivers for all your hardware
are up to date,
>especially your soundcard and graphics card. Do not
rely on Windows Update
>for this, visit the web sites of the manufacturers of
your various hardware
>devices and visit HP's site for any updates as well.
>
>Then make sure all your applications are up to date,
make sure they are all
>compatible with XP.
>
>If everything is up to date, you may need to start
removing applications one
>by one in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel to see if
the problem goes
>away after one such removal. If yes, then you've found
the application.
>The same might be true of hardware devices but start
with applications.
>--
>Michael Solomon MS-MVP
>Windows Shell/User
>Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
>
>"Tony" <ajlees@charter.net> wrote in message
>news:543501c341a5$66150a10$a401280a@phx.gbl...
>> I am unable to read my Email due to an error message
when
>> I try to log in stating "Outlook Express has
encountered
>> a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for . . . "
>>
>> "Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
>>
>> I have sent numerous "Error Reports" but not received a
>> reply nor have HP's advise helped.
>>
>> HELP !!
>
>
>.
>

It appears to be a problem with a system file related to Microsoft Direct
Database. If this is a recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time prior to when the problem began. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.

On the other hand, you may need to do a little file recovery as follows
assuming you have a retail version of XP or one was supplied to you by your
PC manufacturer as opposed to a recovery disk or partition.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:
Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend

"Tony" <AJLees@charter.net> wrote in message
news:00ea01c3424a$246cd070$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Michael,
> Thank you for your help. I've gone to Control
> Panel/Admin Tools/Event Log and found that "Fault
> application is msimn.exe, Ver 6.0 ..." and
> "Fault Module is directdb.dll, Ver 6.0 ..." but that
> is GREEK to me. Can you give any further help???
> You may reply via Email at AJLees@charter.net if easier
> for you. I can get Email via backdoor thru internet.
> Thanks in advance, Tony
> *************************************
> >-----Original Message-----
> >The error reports go into a database that alerts
> Microsoft to problems and
> >issues with an application to be corrected either on an
> ongoing basis or
> >with future updates.
> >
> >This type of error is usually caused by a conflict with
> hardware or
> >software. You might find additional information about
> the error in the
> >Event Log. Go to Control Panel, open Administrative
> Tools and open Event
> >Log. Look for a recurring event that coincides with
> when you receive this
> >error. Double click and check the information. If it
> just refers to
> >Outlook Express with no other information the only way
> to source this is by
> >trial an error.
> >
> >Start by making sure your drivers for all your hardware
> are up to date,
> >especially your soundcard and graphics card. Do not
> rely on Windows Update
> >for this, visit the web sites of the manufacturers of
> your various hardware
> >devices and visit HP's site for any updates as well.
> >
> >Then make sure all your applications are up to date,
> make sure they are all
> >compatible with XP.
> >
> >If everything is up to date, you may need to start
> removing applications one
> >by one in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel to see if
> the problem goes
> >away after one such removal. If yes, then you've found
> the application.
> >The same might be true of hardware devices but start
> with applications.
> >--
> >Michael Solomon MS-MVP
> >Windows Shell/User
> >Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
> >
> >"Tony" <ajlees@charter.net> wrote in message
> >news:543501c341a5$66150a10$a401280a@phx.gbl...
> >> I am unable to read my Email due to an error message
> when
> >> I try to log in stating "Outlook Express has
> encountered
> >> a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for . . . "
> >>
> >> "Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
> >>
> >> I have sent numerous "Error Reports" but not received a
> >> reply nor have HP's advise helped.
> >>
> >> HELP !!
> >
> >
> >.
> >

Michael, thanks again for your help, but System Restore
did not work either. And I do not have a copy of XP
(mine came in the HP computer). So it looks like I will
just have to live with it for now,as I can get into my
Email through Internet Explorer by going direct to my
broadband Email carrier.

Thanks again, Tony
***************************************
>-----Original Message-----
>It appears to be a problem with a system file related to
Microsoft Direct
>Database. If this is a recent issue, you might try
using System Restore to
>take you back to a time prior to when the problem
began. Start\All
>Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.
>
>On the other hand, you may need to do a little file
recovery as follows
>assuming you have a retail version of XP or one was
supplied to you by your
>PC manufacturer as opposed to a recovery disk or
partition.
>
>Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press
enter. Note, there
>is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will
be asked for your XP
>CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen
may appear, this is
>not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked
by autorun. Simply
>minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
>
>If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair
install as follows:
>Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a
problem from which you are
>unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should
leave your data
>files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair
install, you may be
>forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If
you don't have your
>data backed up, you would lose your data should that
eventuality occur.
>
>Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to
boot from the CD, it
>should detect the disk and give a brief message, during
the boot up, if you
>wish to boot from the CD press any key.
>
>Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You
will see a reference
>asking if you need to load special drivers and another
notice that if you
>wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console)
depress F2. Just let
>setup run past all of that. It will continue to load
files and drivers.
>
>Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you
will come to a screen
>with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair
Windows Installation
>using the Recovery console.
>
>The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want
and requires you to
>press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end
user agreement. Setup
>will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon
finding your
>version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current
installation or
>install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair
installation. From there
>on, follow the screens.
>
>--
>Michael Solomon MS-MVP
>Windows Shell/User
>Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
>
>"Tony" <AJLees@charter.net> wrote in message
>news:00ea01c3424a$246cd070$a301280a@phx.gbl...
>> Michael,
>> Thank you for your help. I've gone to Control
>> Panel/Admin Tools/Event Log and found that "Fault
>> application is msimn.exe, Ver 6.0 ..." and
>> "Fault Module is directdb.dll, Ver 6.0 ..." but that
>> is GREEK to me. Can you give any further help???
>> You may reply via Email at AJLees@charter.net if easier
>> for you. I can get Email via backdoor thru internet.
>> Thanks in advance, Tony
>> *************************************
>> >-----Original Message-----
>> >The error reports go into a database that alerts
>> Microsoft to problems and
>> >issues with an application to be corrected either on
an
>> ongoing basis or
>> >with future updates.
>> >
>> >This type of error is usually caused by a conflict
with
>> hardware or
>> >software. You might find additional information about
>> the error in the
>> >Event Log. Go to Control Panel, open Administrative
>> Tools and open Event
>> >Log. Look for a recurring event that coincides with
>> when you receive this
>> >error. Double click and check the information. If it
>> just refers to
>> >Outlook Express with no other information the only way
>> to source this is by
>> >trial an error.
>> >
>> >Start by making sure your drivers for all your
hardware
>> are up to date,
>> >especially your soundcard and graphics card. Do not
>> rely on Windows Update
>> >for this, visit the web sites of the manufacturers of
>> your various hardware
>> >devices and visit HP's site for any updates as well.
>> >
>> >Then make sure all your applications are up to date,
>> make sure they are all
>> >compatible with XP.
>> >
>> >If everything is up to date, you may need to start
>> removing applications one
>> >by one in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel to see
if
>> the problem goes
>> >away after one such removal. If yes, then you've
found
>> the application.
>> >The same might be true of hardware devices but start
>> with applications.
>> >--
>> >Michael Solomon MS-MVP
>> >Windows Shell/User
>> >Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
>> >
>> >"Tony" <ajlees@charter.net> wrote in message
>> >news:543501c341a5$66150a10$a401280a@phx.gbl...
>> >> I am unable to read my Email due to an error message
>> when
>> >> I try to log in stating "Outlook Express has
>> encountered
>> >> a problem and needs to close. We are sorry
for . . . "
>> >>
>> >> "Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
>> >>
>> >> I have sent numerous "Error Reports" but not
received a
>> >> reply nor have HP's advise helped.
>> >>
>> >> HELP !!
>> >
>> >
>> >.
>> >
>
>
>.
>

That's a tough one and most manufacturer's don't offer anything more than a
full system recovery routine. However, HP, over the years has offered
additional options such as repair, separate driver installation and even
application repair or restore. You might check your documentation to see
what HP options HP offered and/or included with your system.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend

"Tony" <ajlees@charter.net> wrote in message
news:100f01c3456c$67b58640$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> Michael, thanks again for your help, but System Restore
> did not work either. And I do not have a copy of XP
> (mine came in the HP computer). So it looks like I will
> just have to live with it for now,as I can get into my
> Email through Internet Explorer by going direct to my
> broadband Email carrier.
>
> Thanks again, Tony
> ***************************************
> >-----Original Message-----
> >It appears to be a problem with a system file related to
> Microsoft Direct
> >Database. If this is a recent issue, you might try
> using System Restore to
> >take you back to a time prior to when the problem
> began. Start\All
> >Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.
> >
> >On the other hand, you may need to do a little file
> recovery as follows
> >assuming you have a retail version of XP or one was
> supplied to you by your
> >PC manufacturer as opposed to a recovery disk or
> partition.
> >
> >Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press
> enter. Note, there
> >is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will
> be asked for your XP
> >CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen
> may appear, this is
> >not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked
> by autorun. Simply
> >minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
> >
> >If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair
> install as follows:
> >Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a
> problem from which you are
> >unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should
> leave your data
> >files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair
> install, you may be
> >forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If
> you don't have your
> >data backed up, you would lose your data should that
> eventuality occur.
> >
> >Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to
> boot from the CD, it
> >should detect the disk and give a brief message, during
> the boot up, if you
> >wish to boot from the CD press any key.
> >
> >Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You
> will see a reference
> >asking if you need to load special drivers and another
> notice that if you
> >wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console)
> depress F2. Just let
> >setup run past all of that. It will continue to load
> files and drivers.
> >
> >Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you
> will come to a screen
> >with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair
> Windows Installation
> >using the Recovery console.
> >
> >The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want
> and requires you to
> >press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end
> user agreement. Setup
> >will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon
> finding your
> >version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current
> installation or
> >install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair
> installation. From there
> >on, follow the screens.
> >
> >--
> >Michael Solomon MS-MVP
> >Windows Shell/User
> >Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
> >
> >"Tony" <AJLees@charter.net> wrote in message
> >news:00ea01c3424a$246cd070$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> >> Michael,
> >> Thank you for your help. I've gone to Control
> >> Panel/Admin Tools/Event Log and found that "Fault
> >> application is msimn.exe, Ver 6.0 ..." and
> >> "Fault Module is directdb.dll, Ver 6.0 ..." but that
> >> is GREEK to me. Can you give any further help???
> >> You may reply via Email at AJLees@charter.net if easier
> >> for you. I can get Email via backdoor thru internet.
> >> Thanks in advance, Tony
> >> *************************************
> >> >-----Original Message-----
> >> >The error reports go into a database that alerts
> >> Microsoft to problems and
> >> >issues with an application to be corrected either on
> an
> >> ongoing basis or
> >> >with future updates.
> >> >
> >> >This type of error is usually caused by a conflict
> with
> >> hardware or
> >> >software. You might find additional information about
> >> the error in the
> >> >Event Log. Go to Control Panel, open Administrative
> >> Tools and open Event
> >> >Log. Look for a recurring event that coincides with
> >> when you receive this
> >> >error. Double click and check the information. If it
> >> just refers to
> >> >Outlook Express with no other information the only way
> >> to source this is by
> >> >trial an error.
> >> >
> >> >Start by making sure your drivers for all your
> hardware
> >> are up to date,
> >> >especially your soundcard and graphics card. Do not
> >> rely on Windows Update
> >> >for this, visit the web sites of the manufacturers of
> >> your various hardware
> >> >devices and visit HP's site for any updates as well.
> >> >
> >> >Then make sure all your applications are up to date,
> >> make sure they are all
> >> >compatible with XP.
> >> >
> >> >If everything is up to date, you may need to start
> >> removing applications one
> >> >by one in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel to see
> if
> >> the problem goes
> >> >away after one such removal. If yes, then you've
> found
> >> the application.
> >> >The same might be true of hardware devices but start
> >> with applications.
> >> >--
> >> >Michael Solomon MS-MVP
> >> >Windows Shell/User
> >> >Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
> >> >
> >> >"Tony" <ajlees@charter.net> wrote in message
> >> >news:543501c341a5$66150a10$a401280a@phx.gbl...
> >> >> I am unable to read my Email due to an error message
> >> when
> >> >> I try to log in stating "Outlook Express has
> >> encountered
> >> >> a problem and needs to close. We are sorry
> for . . . "
> >> >>
> >> >> "Please tell Microsoft about this problem.
> >> >>
> >> >> I have sent numerous "Error Reports" but not
> received a
> >> >> reply nor have HP's advise helped.
> >> >>
> >> >> HELP !!
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >.
> >> >
> >
> >
> >.
> >

Regarding Outlook Express being unable to open, accompanied by the error message, “Outlook Express has encountered a problem and needs to close,” I tried many of the suggestions on this webpage and others. I tried System Restore. I tried clearing the “read only” attribute in the folder where it is stored. I tried a Registry repair utility to fix the registry. I tried moving the .dbx files into a folder on the desktop, and restarting Outlook express without those folders. Nothing worked. I did not go into the registry and alter it myself, because I was nervous about the process and saving it for a last resort.

I finally found something that worked, by serendipity. I was trying a suggestion to “Force Identity Logon” through a file called IDforOE.vbs. The suggestion called for running the script to access the Identities Manager, and do a number of things after that. When I ran the script, lo and behold, instead of an Identities Manager appearing, Outlook Express opened and was functioning perfectly.” After playing around with it for a bit, I subsequently discovered, that the failure to open and error message I was getting, ONLY happened when I tried to open Outlook Express using the Email button on my Logitech Wireless Keyboard with Itouch. If I tried to open Outlook Express from directly double clicking msimn, it opened fine. If I made a shortcut to msimn on the task bar, it opened fine. However, even after retyping in Logitech Itouch the pathway to msimn, i.e. C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn, it still wouldn’t open. It’s a mystery that I have no wish to solve, now that I have a reliable workaround, but I offer it here, in case someone else encounters this problem.

Michael Kalm