Outlook Express Performance issues.
There are several different problems that can affect performance in OE.
http://www.tomsterdam.com/insideoe/problems/performance.htm
Outlook Express 5 Starts Very Slowly.
When you start Outlook Express 5, or the Windows Address Book (wab.exe), it
may start very slowly.
The Pstores.exe file and associated .dll files may be corrupted, or their
versions may be incorrect, and the ProtectedStorage registry key has
incorrect parameters.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=235300 (o. e. 5, 6. W98/ME 10/22/2002)
Delayed Response When Editing Internet Explorer Forms and Outlook Express
May Take a Microsoft Outlook Express may take a long time to start.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=251787 (5/12/2003)
OLEXP: Outlook Express Performance Is Slow.
Outlook Express may be very slow when you try to open it, create a new mail
message, or switch identities.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=271510 (o. e. 5. W95/98/se 10/3/2002)
--
If all fails.
There's a good possibility that this is being caused by a third-party
program (adware, spyware, parasite).
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Henri Leboeuf
Web page:
http://www.generation.net/~hleboeuf/index.htm