Spam folder and access

I have recently reloaded MS Windows XP pro on a new hard drive.  I have loaded NIS 2012 and have noticed that the SPAM folder icon in Outlook Express becomes  inactive - the "This is SPAM" option is not highlighted and can not be selected..  I can not tag a message as "SPAM" and file it automatically in the SPAM folder.  I can do it  manually be selecting the message and dragging it into the SPSAM folder.

 

I read in the forum someplace that turning off the SPAM option in the NIS "Setting" menue and then resetting it would cure the problem - wrong.

 

I have had to reboot the computer every / each time  (at lease 20 times for several days) to remedy this situation.  All will work well for several hours and then - all of a sudden - the SPAM folder icon is inactive again.  This is peevish.  Any other "fix" suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

JIm .