Outlook Express

The problem is probably with the .DBX files that Outlook Express uses to store the folders/messages.. Assuming this is the case, if you re-install Outlook Express, it will probably try to re-use those files and it wont' change anything.

You could try re-installing and see if that fixes it - if it doesn't there are a few other things you can to:

1) Forget about Outlook Express and it's inherent security problems and other issues (which you are now dealing with) and use Thunderbird instead. It's just like Outlook Express, but safer and better.

2)You could try deleting the .DBX file that Outlook Express uses for storing the deleted items - but that can be tricky if you arent famaliar with system files. The .DBX files are located in:

C:\Documents and Settings\YourUser Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{somebignumber}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

Find the 'deleted items' file and delete it - next time you open Outlook Express it will create a new one that hopefully works properly. Note that the above files are system-files. Before you can view them you'll have to go to TOOLS|OPTIONS|VIEW and UNClick "Hide Protected operating system files" and click "Show hidden files and folders"

WARNING: Before doing of the above items - If you have anything important that you care about in Outlook Express you need to make certain that you have a good, valid backup of that stuff!! (but you do that already - right?!)