hi, i have an issue with outlook express, where you get the message from time to time about to increase the computers performance do you want to compress the outlook files, i usually say yes which i have done so today, but it has lost all my inbox emails, outbox + sent items and some of the emails i have filed myself, is there any way of getting the emails that have gone back, and any idea of what may of caused this to happen ??

Phoenix

Tools --> Options --> Maintenance --> Clean Up now --> Compact.

You can also change your store folder. I always do that. When I have to reinstall, I simply change it back to my custom store folder from the default and all you messages will be there.

it is more stable to use custom store folder?

Changing your store folder has nothing to do with stability.

In event of reinstall, changing your store folder is beneficial since you won't lose all your messages.