Problem with Entourage shutting down right at launch, thinking of upgrading

[Armando]

I've read almost all of the posts about problems with Entourage
quitting at launch. It just started happening a few days ago without
warning or any update process that I may have initiated. I've copied
part of the error report below, but I think I may just need to upgrade
to Office 2004.

I tried launching while holding down option (or shift, as some posts
would have it), I tried removing the preferences files for Entourage,
I tried removing the database, running the script to turn off the
daemon, in sum, I did just about everything.

I lost my Office X box that contained the software and manual and so
I'm just thinking of biting the bullet and buying a 2004 upgrade.
Would that solve my problem? Would I be able to keep all of my old
emails, addresses, etc. that are now locked inside Office X?

Finally, is there a way to convert the database to MBOX or to a format
that I could possibly import to Mail (the program that comes with
OSX)?

Thank you your help!
---
Date/Time: 2004-09-27 14:50:10 -0400
OS Version: 10.3.5 (Build 7M34)
Report Version: 2

Command: Microsoft Entourage
Path: /Applications/Office/Microsoft Entourage
Version: ??? (???)
PID: 471
Thread: 0

Exception: EXC_BAD_ACCESS (0x0001)
Codes: KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS (0x0001) at 0x1942756c

 

[Mickey Stevens]

I've read almost all of the posts about problems with Entourage
quitting at launch. It just started happening a few days ago without
warning or any update process that I may have initiated. I've copied
part of the error report below, but I think I may just need to upgrade
to Office 2004.

I tried launching while holding down option (or shift, as some posts
would have it), I tried removing the preferences files for Entourage,
I tried removing the database, running the script to turn off the
daemon, in sum, I did just about everything.

Try disconnecting your computer from the internet and then launching
Entourage. Go to Tools > Junk Mail Filter, and turn it off. Then
re-connect to the internet and try receiving mail.

If it still crashes, disconnect your computer from the internet and then
launch Entourage. Go to Tools > Send & Receive > <Account 1>. Repeat for
each account until you crash. At that point, go to Tools > Accounts, and
open the account. Click the "Options" tab, and check the option to "Allow
Online Access". Then re-connect to the internet and click the account in
the Folder List. Turn off the Preview Pane (View > Preview Pane) and delete
any junk mail. Go to Tools > Accounts, and open the account. Click the
"Options" tab, and uncheck the option to "Allow Online Access". Go to Tools

Junk Mail Filter, and turn it on.

If it still crashes, go to the webmail site for the problem account, and
delete the message there.

I lost my Office X box that contained the software and manual and so
I'm just thinking of biting the bullet and buying a 2004 upgrade.
Would that solve my problem? Would I be able to keep all of my old
emails, addresses, etc. that are now locked inside Office X?

You can import data from an Office X identity into Office 2004.

Finally, is there a way to convert the database to MBOX or to a format
that I could possibly import to Mail (the program that comes with
OSX)?

Yes. If you can get Entourage to start (see above for tips), just drag
folders to the Desktop.