Corrup User Folder and cannot restore from backup

[and]

After reading the forum, I believe I have a "corrupt user folder or
conflict" as I can create a new OS X user/ identity and Entourage v.X
(on OS X V 10.4.9) starts ok with the new identity.

The strange thing is that I cannot fix this. I have tried restoring
several backups on the "Microsoft User Data" folder but anytime I put
in my old copies, Entourage will hang on the Splash Screen and I can
only force quit it.

What can I do to restore my old emails? Is this something the Export-
Import Entourage shareware can do even if I cannot restore from my
backups?

Thanks.
-andres

Background information:
How it started and my system
I was working in the plane for a few minutes without problems after my
laptop bag fell on the carpet. I thought there were hard drive issues
but the everything seemed normal (and test by Apple were ok).

After landing, (2hrs later), I turned on the computer but it had a
corrupt Word File (easily restored from backup) and Entourage didn't
start. Disk Utility was not running correctly for my computer.

The next day, I ran the Disk Utility from DVD and repaired it. After
several checks, no other problems have appeared but Entourage is not
working.

I do have some Chinese character emails once in a while.

Things I have tried
* Verified Hard Drive is OK
* Verified Permissions are OK
* Tried to 'rebuild' database -- cannot do it
* Tried to install the backups -- cannot do it
* Backups also hang another computer entourage. -- I don't know if
the 'backups' ever worked as I had never used them before. Other
files backups were ok. I use the 'Backup' utility in OS X

This is what I read in the newsgroup.
2. User Folder: In System Preferences: Users: Create a new user. Log
Out/In to new user. Open Entourage and see if the problems go away.
(You will need to recreate your account info.) If problems disappear
then you know it's a conflict or corruption in your user folder.

 

[Diane Ross]

After reading the forum, I believe I have a "corrupt user folder or
conflict" as I can create a new OS X user/ identity and Entourage v.X
(on OS X V 10.4.9) starts ok with the new identity.

Are you saying Entourage opens in a new User with an empty Identity, but
when you bring in your Microsoft User Data folder from the old User it
crashes?

You have a problem that is somewhat different in that it involved physical
damage. The first thing I would try is holding down the shift key while
launching Entourage to prevent startup schedules from firing. Also,
disconnect any networks you have to make sure Entourage isn't trying to get
out to the network. If Entourage opens, then check for a bad message. You
might need to use your webmail or online access to view your messages
online. Usually it¹s one of the older messages that is causing the problem.
Especially look at spam messages.

If you are still having problems explain how uou brought over the MUD folder
and what the permissions are on the old vs a new MUD created in this user.
You might need to move the Microsoft User Data folder tot he desktop and let
Entourage create a new one. Check it¹s permissions then compare it to the
one brought in.
--
Diane Ross, Microsoft Mac MVP
Entourage Help Page
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/>
Entourage Help Blog
<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/>