Bob, have you tried to reinstall (repair) Outlook Express ? Here is something from Microsoft WEB site:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378

I remember, once I had huge problems accessing Housecall online scanner (Java 2 runtime environment involved). I know it has nothing to do with your problem, but still… Each time I entered housecall web site, my Internet Explorer used to freeze. Following that procedure, helped me instantly… Just another idea…

Cheers !