*.dbx files are huge

I have a computer that I need to clean-up & help it run faster by using Norton Win Dr., defraging & emptying out the internet cache stuff. While trying to find out why it keeps running slower & slower, I searched the *.dbx files, the deleted items .dbx is 98,000 KB with nothing showing in the folder & there are 5 other dbx files in excess of 40,000 KB, compact in the background is checked.
My question is, is there anyway, short of reformatting the drive, that I can get these dbx files to a more reasonable file size? This computer bears the brunt of the email for a printing company, so whatever fix is available, I would like it to be easily repeatable, which leaves out reformating.

Pointing me to a website, would be more than helpful.

Oh Yeah, Win98, OE 5

Thank You

 

Rob

You can also delete the .dbx files and they will rebuild to a smaller size default file on restart. I delete my .dbx files about once per month and have never had a problem with Outlook Express.