I have windows XP SP2 also, and to compact the messages in OE, I use the compact command in the submenu of the file menu in outlook express. - Select "file" menu - Select "folder" in the file menu and then you should have two choices to compact the messages: Compact or Compact all folders... My window is in french, therefore, I hope that the terms that I used are correct. Gaston ================================= >Beau Thompson wrote: > hi group > I am using windows xp sp2 > in outlook express if I go to tools then options then > maintenance there should be a check box > compact messages in the background > it is miss how can I get it back __________________________________________________ -- <Please delete this line and everything below.> To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ For more info: //www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk