outlook express

[david eaton]

For the last couple of days, whenever I open OE, I get a message box warning that NTUSER.DAT is in use and cannot be deleted. HUH? OE works - (OK, not very well but still :)) and I haven't installed/removed anything that could have caused this.

OS: -
Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Any ideas anyone?

David

[Paul Komski]

This is a registry hive related to the default user. I would try a system restore to before this started before trying anything else.

Some info on what it is HERE (http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/en/advanced/help/default.asp?url=/windows2000/en/advanced/help/sag_ntregconcepts_mply.htm) though that doesn't explain why you are getting the error message.

[david eaton]

Paul, Thanks for that link. Your suggestion of a system restore is a good one - or it would be if I had a restore point prior to the start of this!!:) Never mind, I can live with it, as everything works as well as can be expected considering the source :D


David

[Paul Komski]

Can you post the exact message perhaps.

Also ... could you avert this by logging in as Administrator or a new user?

PS If it doesn't happen in Safe Mode then perhaps one could find out what process or application is using the file.

[david eaton]

Message box attached. I am logged in as administrator - only user! I will try safe mode, and see what happens. As I said before, it's only anannoyance, rather then a problem, as everything works OK.

[Paul Komski]

Its a weird one. Presumably you are using a desktop shortcut to open OE and these are tied into the ntuser.dat settings as are the ICW (Internet Connection Wizard) shortcuts.

It might just be worth going directly to the OE executable (usually at Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe) and try double-clicking it. If this works then make your own shortcut by right-clicking on msimn.exe and choosing send to desktop - create shortcut). Could be a long shot but I just wonder if the default shortcut(s) are somehow gone wrong in the way they interact with the registry.

The only other thing might be to create a new user profile and see if the same problem arises.

[david eaton]

Well, this gets more confusing every time! Starting the program from the executable gives the same error, so it's not the shortcut. However, creating a new user, and trying from there works OK. I don't know enough about this OS yet.

David

[sleddog]

Do you use "Identities" in OE? It seems the poor program is confused as to who you are :) What does it show under File > Identities > Manage Identities?

A side note: it is generally not a good idea to run as "Administrator". This advice was always stressed in the days of NT4, but seems now to have fallen by the wayside.

There are potential security concerns associated with running as "Administrator", but there is another, equally important (IMO) concern: the "Administrator" account is a built-in, system account. If you get it screwed up then you're in trouble. I am speaking from experience here :)

A much better approach is to create an account for yourself and, if you wish, assign it full administrator rights. If that account gets really messed up you can still log in as "Administrator", create a new account, and retrieve much of the data from the defunct account.