I started up my computer this morning and opened OE6 to read my mail and there were only 3 folders available, all created today: 1. In-Box (1) - 3 new messages; 2. Deleted Items (1) - empty;3. Misc (1) - empty. I should have 18 folders and there are a LOT of messages. I looked in 'C' Drive where the OE6 files are located and all the .dbx files are there.
Why did the system ignore them and create these 3 new ones (with the (1) behind them)? I thought I would import all the folders, but the system won't let me. I keep getting a box popping up that says, "The specified message store could not be opened. It may be in use by Outlook Express".
By the way, I have Windows 2000 Pro and scads of virus, spyware, adware software which are all up to date as are all the Microsoft 'updates'.
I guess I could move all the .dbx folders to a safe place and then re-install OE6, and then import all the former .dbx files but that is quite a bit of work and I am worried the same thing will happen the next time I start up my computer. Please help

Why did the system ignore them and create these 3 new ones (with the (1) behind them)? I thought I would import all the folders, but the system won't let me. I keep getting a box popping up that says, "The specified message store could not be opened. It may be in use by Outlook Express".
By the way, I have Windows 2000 Pro and scads of virus, spyware, adware software which are all up to date as are all the Microsoft 'updates'.
I guess I could move all the .dbx folders to a safe place and then re-install OE6, and then import all the former .dbx files but that is quite a bit of work and I am worried the same thing will happen the next time I start up my computer. Please help