Outlook Express Hanging!

Hello All...I've checked for other postings of my problem & unable to see my problem..so hope it is not repeat...with my Outlook Express!! I go to open my Outlook Express & it just hangs with the eggtimer showing...I can see my folders but when I click on anything or close (x) windows comes up as not responding etc...Now the thing I find strange is I've on occassion have been able to open (to read) Outlook Express through Internet Explorer by clicking on email envelope on the browser, but only able to open it one time in that browser so every time I need a new Internet Explorer page that I have not gone to before to be able to re-open. The other thing is I can't open my email to read but am able to send and email. Do I need to re-install...I don't want to loose all my old stuff in my box..I have AVG and scan computer every night.....Thanks for your help!
oookpik

 

Thanks for the welcome! Oops how forgetful of me it was late when I posted...I've got Windows XP - Professional
Thanks!