Can't rebuild Entourage database

[Duane1024]

I've had two issues recently with Entourage 2008. The first problem was that Spotlight was not indexing any of my Entourage email. This was a significant problem because I have a lot of email (approx 15GB) in my saved email folders. I decided to rebuild the database using the Database Utility. The utility gets through the first 3 steps and then crashes partly through step 4 (in total the process lasts a couple of hours before crashing). It appears to be in the middle of rebuilding the database and both times it has crashed it gets to approximately 3.45GB on the rebuilt database and crashes. I sent the crash info to MS using the crash reporting tool. So I guess the question is: how big of a database is supported by the database utility rebuild option? Alternatively, what other troubleshooting options are there for spotlight not working? I try the rebuild indexes option from Entourage preferences but there never seems to be any indication that any rebuild of indexes is taking place.

Thanks for any assistance.

= Duane

 

[Diane Ross]

I've had two issues recently with Entourage 2008. The first problem was that
Spotlight was not indexing any of my Entourage email. This was a significant
problem because I have a lot of email (approx 15GB)

Some of this could be 'wasted' space.

The database will be left with 'wasted' space in it every time you delete
something. However, this is not all bad, since the wasted space is used up
with new data as it is added. This way, over a period of time (assuming that
you are deleting stuff as you go) the database will probably reach an
optimum size, after which the stuff you delete is roughly equal to the stuff
you add, and no further growth takes place.

BUT....when you are importing this 'wasted' space could be troublesome.

in my saved email folders.
I decided to rebuild the database using the Database Utility. The utility gets
through the first 3 steps and then crashes partly through step 4 (in total the
process lasts a couple of hours before crashing). It appears to be in the
middle of rebuilding the database and both times it has crashed it gets to
approximately 3.45GB on the rebuilt database and crashes.

My suggestion is to manually move over your data into a new 2008 Identity.
See directions here:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/install/manaul_update.html>

Something is hinky (excuse the technical term with some imported data.
Rebuild will not fix it. Users that manually move over the data have been
very happy with the results.

I sent the crash
info to MS using the crash reporting tool.

Don't expect a reply. It's a tool used to help see patterns.

So I guess the question is: how big
of a database is supported by the database utility rebuild option?

The utility has no size limit, but the available space on your hard drive is
a consideration.

Alternatively, what other troubleshooting options are there for spotlight not
working? I try the rebuild indexes option from Entourage preferences but there
never seems to be any indication that any rebuild of indexes is taking place.

Some users have found that resetting Spotlight helps.

See this page for help:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/troubleshoot/syncservices.html>