Outlook Express message??

[Guest Jo]

My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite sure

which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be relevant.

 

For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot up

Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space, Outlook

Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And then

the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

 

Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook Express!

I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation anyway.

Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my Outlook

PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

 

I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone away

after scanning.

 

Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

Express? Thanks.

[Guest Jerry]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

"Jo" <Jo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:6E2B8A21-9EAB-48EC-9957-10275E3C2EE7@microsoft.com...

> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite sure

> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> relevant.

>

> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot up

> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space, Outlook

> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And then

> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>

> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> Express!

> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation anyway.

> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> Outlook

> PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>

> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

> away

> after scanning.

>

> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> Express? Thanks.

 

Jo, do a google search of "outlook express compact sp3" and you will see

that there are a lot of people experiencing the same problem. In that

search you may find a cure.

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

[being handled in OE General newsgroup]

 

Jo wrote:

> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite sure

> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> relevant.

>

> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot up

> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space, Outlook

> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And then

> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>

> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> Express!

> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation anyway.

> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>

> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

> away

> after scanning.

>

> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> Express? Thanks.

[Guest Jo]

RE: Outlook Express message??

 

Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm no

longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting the

video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the other

updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think* it's okay

now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install since

installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

 

SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else who

wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise - find

out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall it

through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did). Why

MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's guess.

Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

 

Jo

 

 

"Jo" wrote:

> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite sure

> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be relevant.

>

> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot up

> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space, Outlook

> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And then

> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>

> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook Express!

> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation anyway.

> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my Outlook

> PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>

> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone away

> after scanning.

>

> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> Express? Thanks.

[Guest Tom [Pepper] Willett]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

 

 

:

: SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it.

 

 

For you, perhaps.

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

[Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

 

You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

 

1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates unless SP3

is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through 2014.

 

2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that you

used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

 

3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have assisted

you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only a

very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

 

4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3 via

Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete) install

to begin with.

 

Best of luck to you.

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

 

Jo wrote:

> Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

> decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm no

> longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

> Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

> the

> video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

> other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think* it's

> okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

> since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

>

> SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else who

> wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise - find

> out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall it

> through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

> Why

> MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

> guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

>

> Jo

>

>

> "Jo" wrote:

>

>> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

>> sure

>> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

>> relevant.

>>

>> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

>> up

>> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

>> Outlook

>> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

>> then

>> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>>

>> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

>> Express!

>> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

>> anyway.

>> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

>> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>>

>> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

>> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

>> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

>> away

>> after scanning.

>>

>> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

>> Express? Thanks.

[Guest Tom [Pepper] Willett]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

She probably had the antivirus realtime protection running during the

install.

 

Tom

: 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3

via

: Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

: suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

install

: to begin with.

:

: Best of luck to you.

: --

: ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

: MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

: AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

: DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

:

: Jo wrote:

: > Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

: > decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm

no

: > longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

: > Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

: > the

: > video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

: > other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

it's

: > okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

: > since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

: >

: > SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

who

: > wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

find

: > out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall

it

: > through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

: > Why

: > MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

: > guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

: >

: > Jo

: >

: >

: > "Jo" wrote:

: >

: >> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

: >> sure

: >> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

: >> relevant.

: >>

: >> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

: >> up

: >> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

: >> Outlook

: >> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

: >> then

: >> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

: >>

: >> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

: >> Express!

: >> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

: >> anyway.

: >> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

: >> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

: >>

: >> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express,

I

: >> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

: >> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

: >> away

: >> after scanning.

: >>

: >> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

: >> Express? Thanks.

:

[Guest Jo]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

 

 

"Tom [Pepper] Willett" wrote:

> She probably had the antivirus realtime protection running during the

> install.

 

No, actually I'm certain I turned that off. I was very aware of the delicate

installation procedure and I remember printing off the instructions to be

sure I wasn't stuck without them in mid-transition. And I remember feeling a

bit anxious to be connected to the Internet while "naked" without virus or

firewall protection.

 

I don't have any of the software on the red-flag list for problems in the

documentation, but maybe I have one that isn't on the list that was

incompatible. Or maybe my antivirus (Trend) kept something in memory that

interfered with it. *shrug* Don't know.

 

As I said in my response in the Outlook Express group, I'll probably give it

another try down the road but will try to have a tech person on the other end

of the phone while I do it this time. Then, if something goes weird, I will

be able to fix it without struggling with it for months on end.

 

Jo

> Tom

> : 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3

> via

> : Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

> : suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

> install

> : to begin with.

> :

> : Best of luck to you.

> : --

> : ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> : MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> : AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> : DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

> :

> : Jo wrote:

> : > Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

> : > decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm

> no

> : > longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

> : > Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

> : > the

> : > video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

> : > other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

> it's

> : > okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

> : > since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

> : >

> : > SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

> who

> : > wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

> find

> : > out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall

> it

> : > through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

> : > Why

> : > MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

> : > guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

> : >

> : > Jo

> : >

> : >

> : > "Jo" wrote:

> : >

> : >> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

> : >> sure

> : >> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> : >> relevant.

> : >>

> : >> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

> : >> up

> : >> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

> : >> Outlook

> : >> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

> : >> then

> : >> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

> : >>

> : >> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> : >> Express!

> : >> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

> : >> anyway.

> : >> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> : >> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

> : >>

> : >> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express,

> I

> : >> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> : >> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

> : >> away

> : >> after scanning.

> : >>

> : >> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> : >> Express? Thanks.

> :

>

>

>

[Guest Jo]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

For the readers of this thread, see my reply in the Outlook Express group to

PA Bear's much appreciated information:

 

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general&cat=en_US_fd0c7c3f-951a-4c1c-95bb-cef7d67581b0&lang=en&cr=US

 

Jo

 

 

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

>

> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

>

> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates unless SP3

> is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through 2014.

>

> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that you

> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

>

> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have assisted

> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only a

> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

>

> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3 via

> Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete) install

> to begin with.

>

> Best of luck to you.

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>

> Jo wrote:

> > Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

> > decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm no

> > longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

> > Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

> > the

> > video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

> > other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think* it's

> > okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

> > since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

> >

> > SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else who

> > wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise - find

> > out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall it

> > through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

> > Why

> > MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

> > guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

> >

> > Jo

> >

> >

> > "Jo" wrote:

> >

> >> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

> >> sure

> >> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> >> relevant.

> >>

> >> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

> >> up

> >> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

> >> Outlook

> >> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

> >> then

> >> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

> >>

> >> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> >> Express!

> >> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

> >> anyway.

> >> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> >> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

> >>

> >> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

> >> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> >> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

> >> away

> >> after scanning.

> >>

> >> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> >> Express? Thanks.

>

>

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

Jo, if you'd crossposted your first post to both newsgroups, things wouldn't

be so confusing for you or us now.

 

Multiposting vs Crossposting:

http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

 

Jo wrote:

> For the readers of this thread, see my reply in the Outlook Express group

> to

> PA Bear's much appreciated information:

>

> http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general&cat=en_US_fd0c7c3f-951a-4c1c-95bb-cef7d67581b0&lang=en&cr=US

>

> Jo

>

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>

>> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

>>

>> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

>>

>> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates unless

>> SP3 is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through

>> 2014.

>>

>> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that you

>> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

>>

>> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have

>> assisted

>> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only a

>> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

>>

>> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3

>> via Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

>> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

>> install

>> to begin with.

>>

>> Best of luck to you.

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>

>> Jo wrote:

>>> Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

>>> decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm

>>> no

>>> longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

>>> Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

>>> the

>>> video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

>>> other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

>>> it's

>>> okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

>>> since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

>>>

>>> SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

>>> who

>>> wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

>>> find

>>> out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall

>>> it

>>> through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

>>> Why

>>> MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

>>> guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

>>>

>>> Jo

>>>

>>>

>>> "Jo" wrote:

>>>

>>>> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

>>>> sure

>>>> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

>>>> relevant.

>>>>

>>>> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

>>>> up

>>>> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

>>>> Outlook

>>>> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

>>>> then

>>>> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>>>>

>>>> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

>>>> Express!

>>>> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

>>>> anyway.

>>>> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

>>>> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>>>>

>>>> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express,

>>>> I

>>>> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

>>>> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

>>>> away

>>>> after scanning.

>>>>

>>>> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

>>>> Express? Thanks.

[Guest Jo]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

How does one do that in MS groups? I couldn't see a way to post

simultaneously in more than one group, or I would have done that. And since I

wasn't sure of what was causing the problem, it made sense to post to more

than one group.

 

Jo

 

 

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Jo, if you'd crossposted your first post to both newsgroups, things wouldn't

> be so confusing for you or us now.

>

> Multiposting vs Crossposting:

> http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>

> Jo wrote:

> > For the readers of this thread, see my reply in the Outlook Express group

> > to

> > PA Bear's much appreciated information:

> >

> > http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general&cat=en_US_fd0c7c3f-951a-4c1c-95bb-cef7d67581b0&lang=en&cr=US

> >

> > Jo

> >

> >

> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> >

> >> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

> >>

> >> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

> >>

> >> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates unless

> >> SP3 is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through

> >> 2014.

> >>

> >> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that you

> >> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

> >>

> >> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have

> >> assisted

> >> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only a

> >> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

> >>

> >> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3

> >> via Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

> >> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

> >> install

> >> to begin with.

> >>

> >> Best of luck to you.

> >> --

> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> >> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> >> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> >> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

> >>

> >> Jo wrote:

> >>> Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

> >>> decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm

> >>> no

> >>> longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

> >>> Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

> >>> the

> >>> video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

> >>> other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

> >>> it's

> >>> okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

> >>> since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

> >>>

> >>> SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

> >>> who

> >>> wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

> >>> find

> >>> out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall

> >>> it

> >>> through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

> >>> Why

> >>> MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

> >>> guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

> >>>

> >>> Jo

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> "Jo" wrote:

> >>>

> >>>> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

> >>>> sure

> >>>> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> >>>> relevant.

> >>>>

> >>>> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

> >>>> up

> >>>> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

> >>>> Outlook

> >>>> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

> >>>> then

> >>>> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

> >>>>

> >>>> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> >>>> Express!

> >>>> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

> >>>> anyway.

> >>>> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> >>>> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

> >>>>

> >>>> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express,

> >>>> I

> >>>> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> >>>> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

> >>>> away

> >>>> after scanning.

> >>>>

> >>>> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> >>>> Express? Thanks.

>

>

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

When you open a Reply via the web-interface, click on the "More options"

("Other options"?) link at bottom right.

 

If you accessed these newsgroups in your default newsreader (e.g., Outlook

Express), it's simply intuitive and much easier.

 

Setting up Outlook Express to access Microsoft newsgroups

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

--

~PA Bear

 

Jo wrote:

> How does one do that in MS groups? I couldn't see a way to post

> simultaneously in more than one group, or I would have done that. And

> since

> I wasn't sure of what was causing the problem, it made sense to post to

> more

> than one group.

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>> Jo, if you'd crossposted your first post to both newsgroups, things

>> wouldn't be so confusing for you or us now.

>>

>> Multiposting vs Crossposting:

>> http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>

>> Jo wrote:

>>> For the readers of this thread, see my reply in the Outlook Express

>>> group

>>> to

>>> PA Bear's much appreciated information:

>>>

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general&cat=en_US_fd0c7c3f-951a-4c1c-95bb-cef7d67581b0&lang=en&cr=US

>>>

>>> Jo

>>>

>>>

>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>>>

>>>> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

>>>>

>>>> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

>>>>

>>>> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates

>>>> unless

>>>> SP3 is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through

>>>> 2014.

>>>>

>>>> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that

>>>> you

>>>> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

>>>>

>>>> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have

>>>> assisted

>>>> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only

>>>> a

>>>> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

>>>>

>>>> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP

>>>> SP3

>>>> via Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way,

>>>> which

>>>> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

>>>> install

>>>> to begin with.

>>>>

>>>> Best of luck to you.

>>>> --

>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>>>

>>>> Jo wrote:

>>>>> Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

>>>>> decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and

>>>>> I'm

>>>>> no

>>>>> longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone

>>>>> with

>>>>> Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just

>>>>> getting

>>>>> the

>>>>> video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all

>>>>> the

>>>>> other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

>>>>> it's

>>>>> okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to

>>>>> install

>>>>> since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

>>>>>

>>>>> SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

>>>>> who

>>>>> wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

>>>>> find

>>>>> out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not*

>>>>> uninstall

>>>>> it

>>>>> through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I

>>>>> did).

>>>>> Why

>>>>> MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

>>>>> guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

>>>>>

>>>>> Jo

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>> "Jo" wrote:

>>>>>

>>>>>> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

>>>>>> sure

>>>>>> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

>>>>>> relevant.

>>>>>>

>>>>>> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I

>>>>>> boot

>>>>>> up

>>>>>> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

>>>>>> Outlook

>>>>>> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

>>>>>> then

>>>>>> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

>>>>>> Express!

>>>>>> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

>>>>>> anyway.

>>>>>> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

>>>>>> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>>>>>>

>>>>>> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running

>>>>>> Express,

>>>>>> I

>>>>>> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus

>>>>>> and

>>>>>> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't

>>>>>> gone

>>>>>> away

>>>>>> after scanning.

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running

>>>>>> Outlook

>>>>>> Express? Thanks.

[Guest Jo]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

By the way, PA Bear, I mentioned your information about deadlines to the MS

tech support person who helped me last night (and whom I'm still in email

contact with). He said he has not heard anything about any deadlines

whatsoever. He even double-checked it with his supervisor.

 

Can you point me to where you heard about this? I could relay it back to him

and he could check it out.

 

Thanks.

 

Jo

 

 

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

>

> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

>

> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates unless SP3

> is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through 2014.

>

> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that you

> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

>

> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have assisted

> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only a

> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

>

> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3 via

> Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete) install

> to begin with.

>

> Best of luck to you.

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>

> Jo wrote:

> > Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

> > decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm no

> > longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

> > Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

> > the

> > video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

> > other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think* it's

> > okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

> > since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

> >

> > SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else who

> > wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise - find

> > out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall it

> > through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

> > Why

> > MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

> > guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

> >

> > Jo

> >

> >

> > "Jo" wrote:

> >

> >> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

> >> sure

> >> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> >> relevant.

> >>

> >> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

> >> up

> >> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

> >> Outlook

> >> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

> >> then

> >> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

> >>

> >> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> >> Express!

> >> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

> >> anyway.

> >> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> >> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

> >>

> >> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express, I

> >> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

> >> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

> >> away

> >> after scanning.

> >>

> >> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

> >> Express? Thanks.

>

>

[Guest Jo]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely watch for that next time.

 

I had to laugh about you suggesting I use Outlook Express, since that's

where this whole thread began. ;-) Thanks but I prefer to just use IE.

 

Jo

 

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> When you open a Reply via the web-interface, click on the "More options"

> ("Other options"?) link at bottom right.

>

> If you accessed these newsgroups in your default newsreader (e.g., Outlook

> Express), it's simply intuitive and much easier.

>

> Setting up Outlook Express to access Microsoft newsgroups

> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

> --

> ~PA Bear

>

> Jo wrote:

> > How does one do that in MS groups? I couldn't see a way to post

> > simultaneously in more than one group, or I would have done that. And

> > since

> > I wasn't sure of what was causing the problem, it made sense to post to

> > more

> > than one group.

> >

> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> >> Jo, if you'd crossposted your first post to both newsgroups, things

> >> wouldn't be so confusing for you or us now.

> >>

> >> Multiposting vs Crossposting:

> >> http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

> >> --

> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> >> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> >> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> >> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

> >>

> >> Jo wrote:

> >>> For the readers of this thread, see my reply in the Outlook Express

> >>> group

> >>> to

> >>> PA Bear's much appreciated information:

> >>>

> >>> http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general&cat=en_US_fd0c7c3f-951a-4c1c-95bb-cef7d67581b0&lang=en&cr=US

> >>>

> >>> Jo

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> >>>

> >>>> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

> >>>>

> >>>> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

> >>>>

> >>>> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates

> >>>> unless

> >>>> SP3 is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through

> >>>> 2014.

> >>>>

> >>>> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that

> >>>> you

> >>>> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

> >>>>

> >>>> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have

> >>>> assisted

> >>>> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only

> >>>> a

> >>>> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

> >>>>

> >>>> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP

> >>>> SP3

> >>>> via Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way,

> >>>> which

> >>>> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

> >>>> install

> >>>> to begin with.

> >>>>

> >>>> Best of luck to you.

> >>>> --

> >>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> >>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

> >>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

> >>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

> >>>>

> >>>> Jo wrote:

> >>>>> Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

> >>>>> decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and

> >>>>> I'm

> >>>>> no

> >>>>> longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone

> >>>>> with

> >>>>> Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just

> >>>>> getting

> >>>>> the

> >>>>> video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all

> >>>>> the

> >>>>> other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

> >>>>> it's

> >>>>> okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to

> >>>>> install

> >>>>> since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

> >>>>>

> >>>>> SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

> >>>>> who

> >>>>> wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

> >>>>> find

> >>>>> out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not*

> >>>>> uninstall

> >>>>> it

> >>>>> through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I

> >>>>> did).

> >>>>> Why

> >>>>> MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

> >>>>> guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Jo

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>> "Jo" wrote:

> >>>>>

> >>>>>> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

> >>>>>> sure

> >>>>>> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

> >>>>>> relevant.

> >>>>>>

> >>>>>> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I

> >>>>>> boot

> >>>>>> up

> >>>>>> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

> >>>>>> Outlook

> >>>>>> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

> >>>>>> then

> >>>>>> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

> >>>>>>

> >>>>>> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

> >>>>>> Express!

> >>>>>> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

> >>>>>> anyway.

> >>>>>> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

> >>>>>> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

> >>>>>>

> >>>>>> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running

> >>>>>> Express,

> >>>>>> I

> >>>>>> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus

> >>>>>> and

> >>>>>> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't

> >>>>>> gone

> >>>>>> away

> >>>>>> after scanning.

> >>>>>>

> >>>>>> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running

> >>>>>> Outlook

> >>>>>> Express? Thanks.

>

>

[Guest PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Outlook Express message??

 

Why am I not suprised?

 

IN RE the free support deadline:

 

<QP>

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for

Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3). This support for SP3 is valid

until April 14, 2009...

</QP>

Source:

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

 

IN RE needing to have SP3 installed by 2010 in order to receive further

Windows Updates through 2014: This is connotated in Windows Life Cycle &

Service Pack Support policies, all of which is it the tech's (and your)

fingertips at the MS website.

 

PS: The tech's being paid to assist you; we're not.

--

~PA Bear

 

Jo wrote:

> By the way, PA Bear, I mentioned your information about deadlines to the

> MS

> tech support person who helped me last night (and whom I'm still in email

> contact with). He said he has not heard anything about any deadlines

> whatsoever. He even double-checked it with his supervisor.

>

> Can you point me to where you heard about this? I could relay it back to

> him

> and he could check it out.

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>> [Repost of my reply to your thread in OE General]

>>

>> You should be aware of a few things, Jo:

>>

>> 1. Come April 2010, you will not receive any more Windows Updates unless

>> SP3 is installed. With SP3 installed, you'll receive updates through

>> 2014.

>>

>> 2. The free installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 that you

>> used will only be available through 09 April 2009.

>>

>> 3. With a little perseverance on your part, we probably could have

>> assisted

>> you in getting that constant nag to compact OE folders to cease. (Only a

>> very small minority of WinXP SP3 users are experiencing this issue.)

>>

>> 4. It is perfectly safe for the majority of users to uninstall WinXP SP3

>> via Add/Remove Programs. The tech told you not to do it that way, which

>> suggests that you may have had a "horked" (bad; faulty; incomplete)

>> install

>> to begin with.

>>

>> Best of luck to you.

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net

>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

>>

>> Jo wrote:

>>> Thank you very much to everyone who replied. At about 5:00PM I finally

>>> decided to just uninstall SP3. It was a nightmare, but I did it and I'm

>>> no

>>> longer getting the OE message. I was at least an hour on the phone with

>>> Microsoft Tech Support (he was extremely nice and helpful) just getting

>>> the

>>> video to behave. Then another 3.5 hours to download and install all the

>>> other updates and security patches to bring SP2 up to date. I *think*

>>> it's

>>> okay now. Interestingly, my scanner that I haven't been able to install

>>> since installing SP3 is now working perfectly.

>>>

>>> SP3 is a lemon and I'm glad to be rid of it. Good luck to anyone else

>>> who

>>> wants to change their mind after installing SP3. A word to the wise -

>>> find

>>> out how to do it properly. The tech support guy said *do not* uninstall

>>> it

>>> through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel (which is what I did).

>>> Why

>>> MS put it there if it isn't the right way to uninstall it, is anyone's

>>> guess. Thanks again for everyone's help, information and support!

>>>

>>> Jo

>>>

>>>

>>> "Jo" wrote:

>>>

>>>> My apologies if you see this post more than once, since I'm not quite

>>>> sure

>>>> which group to post it in, so I'll post it in a few that might be

>>>> relevant.

>>>>

>>>> For the last 3 days or so, I've had a message window appear when I boot

>>>> up

>>>> Windows (XP SP3). It says "Outlook Express. To free up disk space,

>>>> Outlook

>>>> Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes." And

>>>> then

>>>> the OK or Cancel buttons. I have always clicked Cancel.

>>>>

>>>> Here's the weird thing -- I run Office Outlook (2003), NOT Outlook

>>>> Express!

>>>> I've never run Outlook Express -- not on this Windows installation

>>>> anyway.

>>>> Just in case this was an echo from Office Outlook, I compacted all my

>>>> Outlook PST files, but I'm still getting the message.

>>>>

>>>> I find this message disturbing because, since I'm not running Express,

>>>> I

>>>> wonder if it might be some kind of malware. But I run an anti-virus and

>>>> anti-spyware and firewall and I scan pretty much daily. It hasn't gone

>>>> away

>>>> after scanning.

>>>>

>>>> Has anyone else had this happen before, when you aren't running Outlook

>>>> Express? Thanks.