The Deleted Items storage folder is most likely corrupt. You can delete it and the next time OE is opened, a new folder will be set:
The Store folder for OE have the .dbx file extension:
Windows XP Users:
In Windows XP, the Outlook Express user files, including *
.wab and *
.dbx files, are by default marked as hidden. To view these files in Explorer, you must enable
Show Hidden Files and Folders under Start | Control Panel | Folder Options | View.
Start> Search> All Files & Folders> type .dbx in the Search box.
Look for
Deleted Items.dbx> right click> Delete
Notes: Each account has their own store folders so if you have more than one account, be sure it is your folder.
Deleting a Store folder will delete everything in the folder. If you want to save any email from that folder, do a copy and paste to wordpad.
Every 100 emails, OE gives a notice of need to
Compactt. It is important you allow this to be done.
Good reference site here:
http://www.insideoe.com/files/store.htm
Look for the Deleteditems.dbx folder for YOUR account. If you have more tham one user, EACH of you have a set of stroe folders.