Common Outlook Express Problems

This a list of the most common Outlook Express problems that I have seen or had reported by visitors to this website, with probable causes and likely fixes.

Quick Links

Unable to access Email.| Your Password was rejected -can't access server|Error sending messages|No images in Html email or attachments missing |Messages missing - download twice- messages stuck|Outlook Express freezes or hangs or crashes|Hyperlinks not Working in Outlook Express Email
 

If this doesn't solve the problem then take a look at Outlook Express Troubleshooting or contact me using the contact form.

Problem(s)

• Unable to access Email.
• Outlook Express complains that no account is setup

Causes

• This is usually cause by incorrect account configuration either because Outlook Express failed to import previous settings correctly or you have manually setup up the configuration incorrectly.
• It can also be caused by the presence of a firewall

Resolution

see

• Setup Outlook Express Email

• Set Up Email Address

• Configuring Outlook Express with Multiple Email Accounts

• Setup outlook express for msn hotmail

• Setup Outlook Express for Yahoo email

Problem(s)

You have problems logging in or accessing your mail server typical error message is:

There was a problem logging onto your mail server. Your Password was rejected. Account: 'mail.onetel.net.uk', Server: 'mail.onetel.net.uk', Protocol: POP3, Server Response: '-ERR Message Server said: Invalid login', Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Server Error: 0x800CCC90, Error Number: 0x800CCC92

The connection to the server has failed. Account:  'mail.onetel.net.uk', Server: ' 'mail.onetel.net.uk', Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Socket Error: 10061, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E

The host  'mail.onetel.net.uk' could not be found. Please verify that you have entered server name correctly. Account:'yourname', Server  'mail.onetel.net.uk', protocol: POP3, Port:110'Secure(SSL):No, Socket Error:11001,Error Number 0x800CCC0D.
 

Causes

• If this is an initial setup then the most likely cause is incorrect account configuration -see above.
• If the message suddenly appears then it could be that the account password has become corrupt.
• A firewall is blocking access

Resolution

Follow through the procedure in Setup Outlook Express Email and re-enter the username and password. If this doesn't solve it create a new account with the same account details nut don't delete the original one just disable it by unticking the box next to the account.

To eliminate firewall problems go to a command prompt and type:

telnet smtpservername 25

If you get a response like:

220 smtpservername ESMTP

Then the firewall is not blocking you if you get an unable to establish connection message then the firewall is causing a problem. You need to enable access to ports 25 (SMTP) and 110(pop3) on your firewall and it should work ok.

NOTE: Windows XP has a firewall built into the operating system which you can disable/configure.



If that still doesn't solve it then try resetting the TCP/IP stack on windows XP:


Click on Start, then Run
Type cmd and press the Enter
Type in netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
 

Problem(s)

Error sending messages -SMTP, Server Response: '530 authentication required .

Causes

Your SMTP server requires authentication

Resolution

Problem(s)

• No images in Html email
• No attachments or attachments missing

Causes

New anti-spam and virus measures in windows XP and OE.

Resolution

• Images are blocked when you open an e-mail message in Outlook Express on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer.
• Unsafe Attachments Blocked in Outlook Express

Problem(s)

• Messages missing in inbox
• Hotmail messages download twice
• error sending messages
• messages stuck in outbox
• Msimm.exe error

Causes

• Corrupt Database

Resolution

For general details on repairing corrupt databases see - How to Repair Outlook Express

These Microsoft articles refer to specific cases.

• Outlook Express E-Mail Messages Are Missing from the Inbox Folder -Issue when using McAfee VirusScan
• Hotmail Messages Are Downloaded Twice
• Some of the items in the "deleted items" folder cannot be deleted
• Address Book failed to load error on sending message
• Email messages remain stuck in your Outbox
• Msimn.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows.

Problem

Outlook Express freezes or hangs or crashes

Causes

• Corrupt Database
• Some incompatibles exist in Outlook Express and the operating system.
• Missing or corrupt files.

Resolution

1. Check for new operating system updates and install
2. Check for new Outlook Express updates and install.

If problem still exists

You may have a corrupt database so Remove and re-install Outlook Express. (don't forget to backup Outlook Express first)

	Web www.oeupdates.com

Problem

Hyperlinks not Working in Outlook Express Email

Causes

Installed a new browser, add on, toolbar etc that have changed the default settings

Resolution

1. Start Internet Explorer
2. Select the Tools->Internet Options menu
3. Select the Programs tab
4. Look for a checkbox labelled "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser"
5. If this checkbox is not ticked, then this is the cause of the problem, so tick it!
6. Click OK
7. Close Internet Explorer and Re-open Internet Explorer
8. Close Outlook Express and Re-open Outlook Express

If that doesn't work see the Microsoft KB article "Send To" and E-mail Links Do Not Work Using Outlook Express as Default