0I am having trouble with my microsoft outlook express. I can't open any of my emails. I keep getting the following messages, "There was an error opening this message. An error has occurred." Also error message "0x8004107F Outlook express could not be started. It may be installed incorrectly......" It was working fine up to yesterday and now I can't open any messages. Any solutions?1 person needs an answerI do too

You're in the right place now, but my reply stands. Start here.When OE crashes or won't starthttp://www.insideoe.com/problems/errors.htm#crash You will probably have to delete Folders.dbx with OE closed.Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View. If you can't get to Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder to see the location, enable Hidden Files & Folders and the path to the message store will be very similar to this:C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressBruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

nothing I am trying works. Is there a way to reinstall the entire Outlook Express.

The only way to reinstall OE is to reinstall the entire operating system.Did you delete Folders.dbx with OE closed? That didn't help?Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

frongione: Please copy + paste the entire error message into this thread. 0x8004107F does not even exist as an error number AFAIK.Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Sorry, my typo it is 0x8004104F and the entire message states "Outlook Express could not be started. It may not be installed correctly. Make sure that your disk is not full or that you are not out of memory. Contact Microsoft support for further assistance. (0x8004104F)" Every message I try to click on and open I get the following message "There was an error opening this message. An error has occurred."Also this message "Unable to open the address book. The address book may not installed properly"Thanks

Have you deleted Folders.dbx? If not, do that first. Is MS Outlook also installed? If Yes, see the post by PA Bear here. http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-3708420.phpIf not, see these links.Courtesy of Michael Santovec:http://pages.prodigy.net/michael_santovec/techhelp.htmAll of those have the same cause. Something is screwed up with your address book.It could be any of several specific problems, which include: - corrupted WAB file - corrupted or mismatched DLL files for the address book - having OE set to use the Outlook98/2000+ contacts instead of the WABfile and there is something wrong at the Outlook endFor specifics, take a look at:Err Msg: The Message Could Not Be Sent. Some recipients not valid(Outlook Express: There was an error opening this message)(The Address Book failed to load. OE is incorrectly configured)(Corrupted or mismatched WAB32.DLL file)http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=239135OLEXP: Error Message: Address Book Failed to Load(There was an error opening this message)http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=269777http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310873OLEXP: MSIMN Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Module Wab32.dllhttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=247706Err Msg: Address Book Failed To Load, Outlook Express Is...http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=191946Err Msg: Unable to Open Address Book, a Component Is Missinghttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=192321The Windows Address Book (WAB)http://www.insideoe.com/files/wab.htmTo share Contacts between Outlook and Outlook Expresshttp://www.slipstick.com/contacts/oeshare.htm Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Okay thanks, but I need to move slow or I'm afraid I will destroy something else. Where is it that I can find the Folders.dbx file and by deleating this will I mess up somethoing else?

Also, I do have Outlook 97 in my Office 97 package. Come to think about it I opened this the other day by mistake and immediately closed it.

You probably need to follow the link from PA Bear if that is the case.You can try deleting Folders.dbx first and rebooting. Here is what to expect as a side effect.Consequences of deleting Folders.dbx:http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm#deldbxIn WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View. The path to the message store will be very similar to this:C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressLocate Folders.dbx and delete it. a new one will be created when you open OE.Again, if this doesn't help, follow the instructions in the link from PA Bear.Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

It won't let me delete it. I get the message "cannot deletefolders:It is being usedby another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again."No one else is signed on and no other programs are open.Now what?

Reboot. Do not open any programs and try to delete it before you do anything else.Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Okay I was able to delete it but still the same problem with Outlook Express as before.

Then work on the instructions from PA Bear here.http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-3708420.phpBruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Move all the dbx files in the message store to another directory and then start OE and see what you get. If you still get the error, then you may need to delete the Identities key in the registry, but see if you can get it working otherwise first. Also check for 3rd party program interference: www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3 steve

I don't really see where he explains how to work on Outlook Express. He keeps mentioning MS Outlook. I really need specific directions on how to get to these files and how to edit. Is there a web site that gives detail instructions step by step and doesn't assume that I know where to look. I have no idea what he is talking about or where to find the files.

We are assuming OE and Outlook are sharing the address book and that is causing your problem.Start | Run and type in regedit and then navigate to this key and follow the instructions.HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB\WAB4Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Ok I'm got there now what do I do? I opened everything in your chain above there were no directions at the end of the chain.

The instructions in the link from PA Bear.http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-3708420.php<quote>Assuming MS Outlook (or MS Office) also installed:• Do you have this Registry key?...HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB\WAB4• If not, STOP; If so, is there a DWORD named UseOutlook (NB: no space) andis its value set to 1 (one)?• If not, STOP; If so, Address Book is configured to share contacts withOutlook, even if you don't use it (can happen with the install of Office).Change the value to 0 (zero), close REGEDIT & reboot: Address Book should beavailable to you and all should be well. (If that DWORD is not present,don't create it, and don't alter any other DWORD values.)Note that any changes (additions, deletions, edits) made while sharing wasenabled will not be available (displayed) in AddressBook when sharing isdisabled.cf. Microsoft Outlook updates change the default mail handler to MicrosoftOutlookhttp://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#13--~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.netDTS-L http://dts-l.net/Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Ok I have HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WAB\WAB4 however there are three Dwords and none of are named useoutlook. However there is one with a value set at one. This is what they are: NAME TYPE DATADefault Reg_SZ (Value not set)First Run Reg_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)OLK Contact Refresh Reg_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)OLK Folder Refresh Reg_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)Not sure what you are asking me to do from here.

If that DWORD is not there, then this is not the problem, so abandon that approach.A: have you actually looked at all these links I posted?Courtesy of Michael Santovec:http://pages.prodigy.net/michael_santovec/techhelp.htmAll of those have the same cause. Something is screwed up with your address book.It could be any of several specific problems, which include: - corrupted WAB file - corrupted or mismatched DLL files for the address book - having OE set to use the Outlook98/2000+ contacts instead of the WABfile and there is something wrong at the Outlook endFor specifics, take a look at:Err Msg: The Message Could Not Be Sent. Some recipients not valid(Outlook Express: There was an error opening this message)(The Address Book failed to load. OE is incorrectly configured)(Corrupted or mismatched WAB32.DLL file)http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=239135OLEXP: Error Message: Address Book Failed to Load(There was an error opening this message)http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=269777http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310873OLEXP: MSIMN Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Module Wab32.dllhttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=247706Err Msg: Address Book Failed To Load, Outlook Express Is...http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=191946Err Msg: Unable to Open Address Book, a Component Is Missinghttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=192321The Windows Address Book (WAB)http://www.insideoe.com/files/wab.htmTo share Contacts between Outlook and Outlook Expresshttp://www.slipstick.com/contacts/oeshare.htm B: Have you tried what Steve Cochran suggested? Basically the instructions in the post I made about:When OE crashes or won't starthttp://www.insideoe.com/problems/errors.htm#crash Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

I checked these files and they pertain to earlier versions of windows, 95, 98, NT I could not find Windows XP. I'm batting 0

I checked these files and they pertain to earlier versions of windows, 95, 98, NT I could not find Windows XP.Don't worry about that. OE is the issue, not your operating system. And regarding the problem you are having, OE has not changed in that respect since that article was published.Also: <Repost>Have you tried what Steve Cochran suggested? Basically the instructions in the post I made about:When OE crashes or won't starthttp://www.insideoe.com/problems/errors.htm#crash Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

I guess this just isn't going to work. I can't even remember how to get to the stores folder. I can navigate around if I am given specific directions. all of the links you have given me assume I know exactly what you are talking about and where they are located. I can't work like that I need specific directions not like open up the stores folder. I need exactly how to open it. Sorry I am really frustrated about this. Nothing has helped to this point and I have been messing with it for three days now. Without specific directions I'm at a dead end.

I guess this just isn't going to work. I can't even remember how to get to the stores folder. I can navigate around if I am given specific directions. all of the links you have given me assume I know exactly what you are talking about and where they are located. I can't work like that I need specific directions not like open up the stores folder. I need exactly how to open it.Sorry I am really frustrated about this. Nothing has helped to this point and I have been messing with it for three days now. Without specific directions I'm at a dead end.I am doing the best I can. Most of us are volunteers and use the tools we have. I gave you the instructions to get to the store folder. Looking back through the posts, you would have seen it.<Repost>Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder will reveal the location of your Outlook Express files. Write the location down and navigate to it in Windows Explorer or, copy and paste it into Start | Run.In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View. If you can't get to Tools | Options | Maintenance | Store Folder to see the location, enable Hidden Files & Folders and the path to the message store will be very similar to this:C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressBruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

I appreciate your help I really do. But here is my problem, where to I get to the tools, Internet explorer?, Outlook express?, windows explorer?, that's whats frustrating me. I saw your instructions but in what program am I going to tools, This is why I am frustrated. I have in the past fixed different problems with detailed instructions. I can build computers, switch out components, etc but when it comes to complecated software problems I really need details and specifics. I don't blame you.

By the way I checked these folders before and none of them were hidden.

Press the Windows key + E. You are now in Windows Explorer.The path to the message store will be very similar to this:C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressI don't know anything more detailed than this.The Outlook Express Store Folderhttp://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htmMS has no published material regarding most of these issues so we take what we can find.Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

I'm here and the box is checked to show all hidden files. Where to now?

You told me that the files were not hidden. I skipped that part and asked you to go to the message store.C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressBruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressWhat program am i looking for this?

C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{Long string of letters & numbers}\Microsoft\Outlook ExpressWhat program am i looking for this? You're already in Windows Explorer, (Windows + E Keys), so just follow that path. Open the folder named Outlook Express and you will see all the dbx files. This is where you already deleted Folders.dbx. At least you said you did.Then follow the directions from Steve Cochran. The last post here at the bottom.Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Okay I'm done for the night. I've been at this since 5:30 and I am no closer that was two days ago. I don't see any path in windows explorer the windows + e key brings me to my computer. I'll try again tomorrow. I do not see the link your refer to above. I don't see any directions from steve cochran. Too much back and forth.

If you don't see that path in your files, then Show Hidden Files and Folders is not checked. You said you could see the folders earlier.<Repost>In WinXP, Win2K & Win2K3, the OE user files (DBX and WAB) are by default marked as hidden. To view these files in Windows Explorer, you must enable Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options Icon | View, or in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | View. From Steve Cochran. Just two posts below this one.Move all the dbx files in the message store to another directory and then start OE and see what you get. If you still get the error, then you may need to delete the Identities key in the registry, but see if you can get it working otherwise first. Also check for 3rd party program interference: www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3 Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Okay I'm back to try this again. I have checked the box to view the hidden files.I've tried deleating the folders.dbx file and it still doesn't work.I've located the c:documents and setting and_administrator ...... but I don't know how to move all of my dbx files into a new directory. Can you walk me through it?

If you have built and worked on computers, then you must know how to move files. Select a file and drag it to another directory. If you don't know how to do that, then you need to consult someone who can instruct you on how to use a computer. You don't need to be walked through on how to move a file. steve

Okay I am ready to try this again. any suggestions what to do next.