1. Open the Windows Registry Editor by selecting 'Run' from the Windows Start menu and typing 'regedit.exe' (without quotes) and clicking 'OK.' Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER/ Identities.'
2. Expand the subkeys (by click the '+' icon) until you have located the 'Username' data value 'Main Identity.' Double-click 'Username.'
3. Type 'Main Backup' in the 'Value data' box that is within the 'Edit String' dialog box. Select 'OK.'
4. Select the 'Main' Identities subkey, and click 'Registry > Export Registry File.' Enter the name for the identity ('Main') and save as 'Registration Files.' Select 'Selected Branch' for 'Export Range' and click 'Save.' Save the file to 'My Documents.' This backs up your Outlook Express identities. Repeat for each Identity.
5. Select the 'Identities' subkey within the Registry. Select 'Edit > Delete.' Confirm the deletion.
6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart the computer.
7. Launch Outlook Express when the computer boots back up. Outlook Express will start up without any errors. Click 'Cancel' (and 'Yes' to confirm) when both the 'Internet Connection Wizard' and 'Outlook Express Import' windows appear. Exit Outlook Express.
8. Open 'My Documents' and double-click on the exported Identity subkey. Select 'Yes' within the Registry Editor dialog box. This re-imports the user information to Windows Registry. Repeat for each export Identity.
9. Re-open Outlook Express. The application should open without any errors and with your account information fully intact.