It would seem that Norton is messing it up a little.  You could try disabling the checking of email as soon as you open outlook.  I think there is a check box somewhere.  Sometimes it just get bumbled up when you open outlook and it trys to check mail and norton is trying to get in there and scan any new mail.  Or you could turn off nortons email scanning which would pretty much make norton usless.  Or you could try unistalling either norton or outlook and then reinstalling them.  With out more info I really can't say exactly.  CB

Make sure you update your Norton DEF files and run a full scan. Sounds like something might have taken a bite out of Outlook.  I just have to mention that Outlook is the virus breeding ground of the world.  Avoid it if possible.

You can also try downloading another virus program and checking it that way.  If you can't solve it any other way, then format and reload Windoze98.  That will make your system run much faster.  Over time the registry gets "oversized" and needs to be purged.  Try it.  Just make mucho backups.

Did you at one time have Mcafee av installed? if so here is an article from symantec

Norton AntiVirus 7.x Corporate Edition

Outlook Express opens slowly after changing from McAfee Antivirus to Norton AntiVirus

Situation:
You have changed your antivirus software from McAfee Antivirus to Norton AntiVirus. When you start Microsoft Outlook Express, it takes much longer to open than it did before.

Solution:
This can happen if the McAfee uninstall procedure removed the file Imagehlp.dll from Windows. If this file is missing or damaged, Outlook Express will take a long time to start. You need to restore this file. Please follow the instructions for your operating system. You will need your Windows installation CD.

NOTE: These instructions are provided for your convenience. Symantec does not provide warranty support for or assistance with Microsoft products. If you would like assistance with this, Symantec now provides fee-based technical support and assistance for a number of non-Symantec products, including those from Microsoft. Symantec Multivendor Support is available by calling (800) 745-6032. Otherwise, we suggest that you contact Microsoft for assistance.

Windows 98
Use the System File Checker tool to extract the file Imagehlp.dll Please follow these steps:
1. Click Start, point to Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then click System Information. The Microsoft System Information program opens.
2. Choose Tools, then click System File Checker.
3. Click "Extract One File From Installation Disk," then type Imagehlp.dll Follow the instructions to complete the extraction process.
4. Restart the computer, then try opening Outlook Express.

NOTE: For additional information, see

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q235300

hope this helps

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