1.) Download and install Thunderbird from Mozilla. It looks and plays like Outlook Express. It is much more robust and forgiving. Chuck Outlook Express.
2.) Find out what kind of video card you have (or if it is onboard the MB) and then download and install the latest drivers for it.
I'm using Thunderbird now. The wonky e-mail account still isn't working (for absolutely no reason whatsoever), but I'm not going to worry about it anymore. My main one works, and the other can be checked at the e-mail web page.
I've downloaded clear type (?) and am using it now. It still doesn't look exactly like the old computer, but it's readable and I'll get used to it.
Thank you for your help.