OLEXP: Err Msg: "This Program Has Performed an Illegal Operation and Will Be Shut Down" (238656)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q238656
For information about the differences between Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook e-mail clients, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

257824 OL2000: Differences Between Outlook and Outlook Express

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start Outlook Express, the following error message may be displayed:
This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.
If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.
If you click the Details button, the following error message may be displayed:
MSIMN caused an invalid page fault in module Msoe.dll at address.
Outlook Express may start, but either of the following error messages may be displayed:
  • Outlook Express could not be started. It may not be installed correctly. Make sure that your disk is not full or that you are not out of memory. Contact Microsoft support for further assistance. (0x800c012e)Outlook Express could not be started because Msoe.dll could not be initialized. Outlook Express may not be installed correctly.
When viewing the preview pane, either of the following error messages may be displayed:
  • Folder could not be displayed.Outlook express could not open this folder.
    Possible causes are: Low disk space. Low memory.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the attributes of any or all of the Outlook Express *.dbx mail files are set to read only.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, remove the read-only attribute from the Outlook Express *.dbx mail files:
  1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
  2. In the Named box, type *.dbx, in the Look in box, click Local hard drives (C:), and then click Find Now.
  3. For each *.dbx file that is found, right-click the file, click Properties, and then clear the Read-only check box.
  4. Click Apply, and then click Close.
NOTE: The *.dbx files should only have the Archive check box selected.

MORE INFORMATION

If Outlook Express starts, you may not be able to gain access to some or all of your folders when you select them. In this case, the folders may have waiting mail messages highlighted in the folder list, but when you click the folder, the message area is blank. For additional information about Outlook Express error messages, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

225096 Error Message Using Some Rules in Outlook Express

233264 Error Message If the Folders.dbx File Is Missing or Damaged

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/30/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB238656
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.