OLEXP: End of File Error Message When You Start Outlook Express (296844)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Macintosh
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Macintosh
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.02 for Macintosh
This article was previously published under Q296844

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start Outlook Express for Macintosh, you may receive one of the following error messages:
An error has occurred. Unexpected end of file.

-or-

Memory is full.

-or-

An unknown error 4359 occurred.

-or-

The end of file was reached.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if there is damage to an element of the identity that is used to start Outlook Express.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the following information to determine which element of the identity is damaged and repair the damage.

Rebuilding the Identity Preferences File

The most common cause of the error messages in the "Symptoms" section of this article is a damaged preferences file for the currently selected identity. This preferences file stores the settings for the accounts and other settings for the identity. The default location for identities is:

Drive:Documents:Microsoft User Data:Identities

NOTE: Your installation may be in a different path than the default path. When you perform the following steps, locate the Identities folder by using the correct path to that folder on your computer.

To rebuild the identity preferences file:
  1. Quit Outlook Express if Outlook Express is currently running. Locate the preferences file in the currently active identity.
  2. Place the preferences file in the Trash on the Macintosh desktop.
  3. Start Outlook Express again. The Setup Assistant rebuilds the account for this identity.

Troubleshooting

If rebuilding the preferences file does not resolve this issue and enable Outlook Express to start without any error messages, you may need to perform the following troubleshooting procedures (perform these procedures in the order in which they are provided):
  1. Rebuild the Outlook Express database.For additional information about rebuilding the Outlook Express database, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    248335 OLEXP: Compacting the Message Store in Outlook Express 5 for Mac

  2. Remove the Outlook Express program preferences file:
    1. Quit Outlook Express if it is currently running. Locate the preferences file in the following path:

      Drive:System Folder:Preferences:Outlook Express Prefs

    2. Place the preferences file in the Trash on the Macintosh desktop.
    3. Start Outlook Express again.
  3. Rebuild the Macintosh desktop. To rebuild the Macintosh desktop, restart the computer while you press and hold both the OPTION and COMMAND (Apple) keys. Click OK when you are prompted to rebuild the desktop.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/7/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB296844
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