Like most of the database program, Outlook Express doesn't actually remove any DBX file item at deletion. It merely marks the space as available and tags for removal at a later time while manual or automatic compaction. So, you should keep compacting the folders for perfect space maintenance. However, you might also receive errors if the *.dbx file is corrupted for some reason. In such cases, you should repair the folder prior trying to compact it. To repair such folders, you can use third-party Outlook Express DBX Repair tools.

For instance, since Inbox folder keeps receiving email messages and can rapidly grow in size, you might need to compact it. But when you try to compact it, the operation cannot be proceeded as you receive an error message as below:

"There is not enough disk space. Account: (mail account), Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800C013C."

The error suggests that compaction of Inbox.dbx halts because of insufficient disk space.

Cause

When compacting, the above error is misleading, as it actually shows Inbox.dbx file corruption. The Outlook Express Inbox.dbx file is corrupt and hence, you cannot compact it.

You might come across the same error message when you trying to receive an email message.

Solution

If the Inbox contains no important email messages, you can delete the folder and restart Outlook Express. It will recreate a new Inbox.dbx file. You can also opt for renaming the folder. But if it contains critical emails, you should repair it.

To locate the damaged Inbox.dbx file, you require to access the message Store folder. For this, click Tools | Options and then click its Maintenance tab. Click the button of Store Folder and note its path. Locate the folder using Windows Explorer while making sure that the hidden files and folders view is enabled.

You can repair the corrupted Inbox.dbx file by using a third-party DBX Repair application. Outlook Express doesn't provide any repair utility. Thus, DBX Recovery software serve as sole solutions for retrieving emails from corrupted OE files.

Stellar Phoenix Outlook Express Recovery is a powerful key to repair and restore your damaged OE folders It is a reliable DBX Repair tool that supports Outlook Express 5.x and 6.x. The software is fully-competent to recover all email messages without changing any view or contents. It is one of the trusted utilities chosen for DBX file repair.