What's going on here? (or Why does my email freeze my computer)

I am running a WIN98SE system, 500 MHZ with 312 megs of memory. I am using Outlook Express 6 as my email program, and have Verizon DSL service. Lately, when I open my email program (OE6), I have a problem with my computer freezing up. When it first started, it froze only when I was in the deleted items folder. Then it started freezing up when it went to Inbox. Now, when the inbox loads, it freezes and unfreezes 2 or 3 times. I can’t even move my cursor. The last day or so, I would get the mail program to freeze and then it will open all the files EXCEPT inbox, in which case, I’d get a message that says low memory or low disk space and that’s it. the only way to get back into my inbox is to reboot the computer.

The most annoying part is that I can’t keep the darn thing open long enough to go thru the mail and delete mail I don’t want, save attachments I do want, and print out things. It’s driving me nuts. I’ve gone thru scan disks and defrags, I’ve done testing, I even changed my virtual memory to my slave hard drive which has more space on it.

Please save my hair which is being pulled out trying to fix this.

You don’t mention having a virus checker. If you don’t have one, get one.

Also, all windows 9.x versions (95, 98, ME) have problems with more than 512 MB of RAM (I’m assuming you meant 512, not 312, as 312 would be a rather uncommon number). I’m not sure if the problem shows up right when you get 512, or if you need more than that. If you search Microsoft’s web site, they have a fairly easy fix for it. IIRC it’s just a one line entry in config.sys or system.ini or some such.

How much free space is on your hard drive? What are your swap file settings?

I’m having a similar problem. In my case, Outlook Express freezes upon opening - I can’t even get into the inbox or any of the other folders. I’m running Win98 with up-to-date anti-virus software. The problem actually started after Windows was re-installed to fix a virus infection, but everything else seems to be fixed. Any suggestions?

Another similar, though not even a fraction as serious, problem.

Every once in a while - interval of 4 days, maybe - my Outlook Express just freezes. When the freeze does occur, it’s usually about 10 minutes after I’ve opened Outlook Express. And the freeze lasts about a minute or so, and then it’s all back to normal! Very weird.

Everything else works just fine though - mouse, other windows, programs, etc. I can even maximise/minimise the OE window without any trouble! Can’t figure it out… any suggestions?

I run Win XP Pro, 256 MB RAM, and Outlook Express 6. Please don’t tell me to use another email client - I’m otherwise very satisfied with OE6.

Another similar problem that’s happening to me. Outlook 2000 under Windows 98. I changed jobs, and it seems my new department hasn’t modernized to Windows 2000 yet. All of the updates are present – I’d hate to call systems, 'cos I really detest having to reinstall everything (all they do is a hard drive swap).

Any ideas? Just randomly freezes, especially right after starting the app. Always comes alive in a minute or two. Usually freezes when checking names against the directory, and sometimes when poking around with personal folders (copied from my old computer, the .pst is about 200mb).