any information registered with the CRA can be interpretated into many different ways. although an account in credit is not 'adverse' if you have numerous accounts (empty or otherwise) they will look at the potential you could borrow - i.e if your current account has an overdraft of £5k, another lender may interpret that as additional credit. for example, if you took out a loan, then maxed some/all of your dormant accounts and therefire were unable ti meet ur contractual obligations - therefore, it may be seen as a risk. but it all depends on lenders opinions. I would always suggest writing to the company of the doormant account and requesting that it is closed & you are also able to write to the various different CRA and could put a note on that it was doormant - that way, it wont be taken into consideration with a new lender !!
:)