Is it really "Minimized" ? That is, when you open a new window, does
it only show as a button on the task tray, or does it actually open
"Restroed Down" - a window that takes up only part of the screen ?

If its minimized, I don't know what would cause it.

If its "part screen", thats normal. Outlook Express does not open new
windows maximized.

However, you can make the "restore down" window look maximized.

Open one of the windows. Move the mouse pointer to a corner of the
window. The pointer will change to a double headed arrow. Hold down
the left mouse button and "drag" the corner of the window to where you
like to resize the window. When satisfied, release the button. Repeat
for any other corner or any side of the window to resize it as you
like.

Once the window is as you like it, close the window. WINDOWS will
remember the size and will open new windows with the new size from
then on.

BC&A Dave

A picture MUST be worth a thousand words - it uses up a thounds times more memory !