When I launch Outlook Express on this Windows XP computer, I get a MS Visual C++ Runtime Library error ("Buffer overrun detected! ...."). Outlook Express does not finish launching, and the ZoneAlarm Security Suite Junk E-mail and Antifraud Filter also hangs. Sometimes I can see some of the e-mail subject headings beginning to appear in the Inbox, and although there are several new messages, it reports only 1 unread message before the hang occurs. The second e-mail in the list has a nonsense subject line, so I am wondering if it is the cause of the buffer overrun, epecially since Outlook Express launches normally on my wife's account on this PC, and it only affects the launch under my account. (Windows Help does indicate that Outlook Express buffer overruns can sometimes be caused by malware contained in an e-mail.)

Any ideas about how I can deal with this problem? Thanks for any help you can offer!

Hello nuconnexions,

Here are a couple of repair kits for your Outlook Express that could help.
LINK LINK

Another suggestion would be for you to do the following first before attempting any repair.

Backup/archive/copy

To be on the safe side I strongly recommend that before doing anything at all you check that your back up/archive/copy of all your important data, drivers, files, settings, work, etc is 100% up to date accurate and reproducible, (even if your back up is even only a day or so out of date, it's worth updating it now.)
Also don't forget to check that you have all your application Installation CD's to hand together with the product keys (including those for Windows itself)

Windows Protected System File Checker SFC

Start>Run
type:
sfc /scannow (note the space between the c /)
Have your Win XP installation disc handy as if damaged files are found they will need to be copied across from your disc, if SFC can't find correct copies elsewhere.

Windows XP Installation disc not available or wrong Service Pack ie SP1 when SP2 is needed

There are work- arounds to this problem but the easiest, by far is to borrow one and use that. It is perfectly OK to do this, for the purposes of running SFC,and if you ask around all your friends, you are likely to find someone who will be able to help you out.

Please post back if you need more assistance and to tell us how you are progressing.

kind regards,

Thanks for the advice, Tallin! I may not be able to tackle this until later in the week due to a very busy schedule, but I have 2 more questions:

• What if I can't find someone with a Windows XP installation disk with SP2 (my original installation CD has SP1a on it, but I know I updated to SP2)? Can I order one from Microsoft or somewhere else?
• Would the problem be overcome if I convert to using Outlook (versus Outlook Express) and import my existing e-mails, folders, and address book from Outlook Express? I had been thinking of doing this for a while anyway.

Thanks again for your help!

Hello again,

Good to see you back.

* Yes you can order a CD from MS, but much easier to borrow from a work colleague if you can.

* Yes you can import from Outlook Express to Outlook HERE

As you have been considering doing the above for some time I would try it, but first I think you will have to run the sfc scan and or repair OE or you may transfer the existing problem.

Would you download and install please to check if your Outlook Express is vulnerable. After I posted to you I did a little more research and found this LINK that caused me to come back with this information for you.

Keep me updated with your progress or if I can help in any other way.

kind regards,

This post has been edited by tallin: Feb 11 2008, 11:50 PM