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I'm running XP w/Internet Explorer version 6.0. When I try to open my Outlook Express, I get the following message," Faulting application msimn.exe, version 6.0.2600.0, faulting module directdb.dll, version6.0.2600.0, fault address 0x0000af52 " Any help would be appreciated.

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msimn.exe is the Outlook Express process; a crash inside directdb.dll most often signals a corrupted Outlook Express message store (.dbx files) or a mismatch between OE/IE components. ’s pointer to Microsoft support and ’s suggestion to apply an update are good first steps. The following concentrates on preserving mail first, then repairing the install in a safe order.

  1. Backup the store and address book before any changes. If OE opens: Tools → Options → Maintenance → Store Folder → select the path, copy it into Explorer, then exit OE and copy all .dbx files plus the .wab file to external media. If OE will not open, search the disk for *.dbx (default XP path: C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\<GUID>\Microsoft\Outlook Express\) and copy those files. Enable “show hidden files” if needed.

  2. Attempt a store rebuild (after the backup). With OE closed and msimn.exe not running, move or rename suspect files (for example rename Folders.dbx or Inbox.dbx to Folders.old / Inbox.old). Restart OE — new, empty .dbx files will be created so OE can start. Restore messages by importing or by creating matching empty folders in OE, closing OE, then replacing the empty .dbx files with backed-up files (clear Read-Only attribute if present).

  3. Repair system and components. From an elevated command prompt run sfc /scannow (XP CD may be required) and schedule chkdsk C: /f to check disk integrity. Try a clean boot or Safe Mode with Networking to rule out AV/mail-scanner hooks. If appropriate files exist, re-register core OE DLLs (for example regsvr32 msoe.dll or regsvr32 inetcomm.dll) — only run regsvr32 when the DLL is present and from the correct location.

  4. If crashes persist, check Event Viewer for the exact faulting module/version (to detect mismatched DLLs), consider repairing or reinstalling Internet Explorer/Outlook Express only after backing up data, and, if necessary, extract mail from the backed-up .dbx files with a recovery tool and migrate to a modern mail client. Note: all file edits carry risk; keep copies of originals before overwriting.

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Member Avatar for Dani

msimn.exe is, indeed, Microsoft Outlook.

The following Microsoft Knowledge Base article applies to Windows95/98 but it is all I was able to find:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=225867

Member Avatar for antioed

You can update that file from here if you want:

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