Here are the things I did that resolved the issue for me:
I reset Compact Check Count to 0, and I uninstalled Windows Search 4.0.
As for Outlook Express: I don't use it.
Thank you for the reply...and thanks for the advice & info.
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Every few minutes the message :
"To free up disk space, Outlook Express can compact messages. This may take up to a few minutes."
This is irrelevant for two reasons :
(1) I do not use Outlook Express, and therefore have no messages to compact.
(2) I do not need to free up disk space as I am currently using only five per cent of a very large disk.
Could someone please tell me how I get rid off this very irritating message.
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Here are the things I did that resolved the issue for me:
I reset Compact Check Count to 0, and I uninstalled Windows Search 4.0.
As for Outlook Express: I don't use it.
Thank you for the reply...and thanks for the advice & info.
Try resetting the compact count in the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities{identity}\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
where identity is a string of letters, numbers, and dashes. 3. Set the value of Compact Check Count to 0. 4. Close the registry editor.
For more information, see Why You Should Let Outlook Express Compact Messages When It Asks You .
Warning: Incorrectly editing the registry might damage your system and prevent Windows from starting. Before doing it, back up your important data, make a restore point, and make sure you know how to repair a damaged system.
The problem is something is indexing OE.
<Repost> Is Windows Search installed on this machine?
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Oct. 1, 2004 ~ Sept. 30, 2010
Imperial Beach, CA
I am sorry, I thought that was implied, as I replied to the thread that addressed this. I will retype what pops up when my computer is turned on. "To free disk space, outlook express can compact messages. This may take a few minutes" I have the option to accept or cancel.
I did uncheck the box in Add/Remove Windows Componets. Why would this not help. I am sorry but I do not understand.
Reply to 3rd part of your statement: I do not feel opening OE and going to Tools, etc. is a remedy, because I do not trust outlook express and do not want to expose my computer to this system. I have never had this problem and have had my computer since 2006. Why would it all of a sudden (within the last few days)want to install & and compact my messages?
I am asking what could have caused this to happen so I can stop it, and stop the message from popping up.
Thank you for what you do in helping.
If you are getting a prompt to compact before 100 closings of OE, that registry change will only help for a day or two.
Bruce Hagen
MS-MVP Oct. 1, 2004 ~ Sept. 30, 2010
Imperial Beach, CA