automatic update on 12 Jan 2011 caused OE window to remain blank and couldn't access any stored emails. Solved by running System Restore to position before the update. I now keep getting reminders to install updates but am reluctant to do so. Am I missing something important?

Other than security updates for XP, there have been no OE updates in almost five years. Which update caused this? Sure it wasn't an AV update? Is this a POP3 account? If so, do the following.You may have a damaged identity especially if it is the default Main Identity. File | Identity | Add New Identity. Create a new one and test it. If all is well, you can import your messages and Address Book from the old identity and delete it.Note: Do not use the word Main in the name of the new identity.How to Create and Use Identities in Outlook Expresshttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=209169An Outlook Express basic repair kithttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/community/columns/oerepair.mspx#EHH *****************Now that this is set up, close all programs including your AV and go to Windows Updates. Check for updates anddo a Custom search.Download and install and then reboot even if not required. Does OE work OK now?My personal preference is to choose for updates to notify, but not install. That way you can install them with no other programs running which sometimes interferes with their success, despite the balloon that tells you that "Windows is installing updates, but you can continue what you were doing.General precautions for Outlook ExpressDo not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by Outlook Express:http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095After you are done, follow up by compacting your folders manually while working *offline* and do it often.Click on Outlook Express at the top of the folder tree so no folders are open. Then: File | Work Offline (or double click Working Online in the Status Bar). File | Folder | Compact all folders. Don't touch anything until the compacting is completed.Turn off e-mail scanning in your anti-virus program. It is a redundant layer of protection that eats up CPUs and causes a multitude of problems such as time-outs and account setting changes. Your up-to-date A/V program will continue to protect you sufficiently. For more, see:http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3And backup often.Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB Freeware)http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx Bruce HagenMS-MVP Oct. 1, 2004 ~ Sept. 30, 2010Imperial Beach, CA