Outlook won't archive - PLEASE ANSWER THIS VERSION not previous post!

[LEON]

Sorry for posting this twice -- I forgot to tick the email notification box last time!

Outlook won't archive
I am trying to archive my standalone instal of Outlook 2003 on a networked PC running under Windows XP Pro, V.5.1, SP3.
However, when I click on it to archive, nothing happens. I am trying to archive all my inbox mail folders and items that are older than January 1, 2007.
I have been very naughty in letting this build up to a huge size by just browsing stuff in the reading pane and not filing stuff I want to keep over many years. there are now nearly 6,000 items here.
In all other respects, Outlook 2003 works fine.
Can anybody help me please?
Thanks,
LEON

[Mr Bean]

You may want to back them up instead. Use the import/export option in the file section. Export as a .pst file and drop them on to disc.

[LEON]

Thanks, Mr. Bean. that's a practical suggestion I had not considered if it won't otherwise work. I do back it up anyway. But I really need the archiving to work the way it's designed to.