BIG problems with Outlook Express!

Hi Fellow Geeks,

I hope everyone is doing well tonight...

I am truly stumped here… I reformatted about a week and a half ago. Everything is fine with the exception of Outlook Express email. I don’t particularly like Outlook Express, but this is the easiest for my husband to check, as it only requires the pushing of one button on my keyboard. I have used OE for years without a problem! I must install Office next but don’t want to put a huge app on a defective HD or OS and cause MORE problems... I backed up my mail settings, accounts, rules, and folders before I reformatted. (“Mail rules” and “mail and news accounts settings” are registry keys. The rest-- Inbox, Bills, Drafts, etc.-- are folders.) I think I messed up by merging the registry keys after I reformatted, and no, I didn’t make a backup first…

Now, I have Firetrust Mailwasher Pro (which sits between the 2 email servers and my inbox) on this computer and it is catching the email!
Firetrust Mailwasher has the SAME POP3, SMTP and account names in the settings as in Outlook Express. The Mailwasher catches my messages & has them now but I cannot get the messages into Outlook Express-- cannot send or receive anything! Last night I removed all accounts & uninstalled Mailwasher Pro, then configured accounts in OE again. I re-installed Mailwasher Pro, which picked up account setting without my having to configure! STILL, OE is behaving the same way! When I try to configure AVG Antivirus 7.0 to scan email messages it reports that no email accounts have been configured. (If that bit of information will help...)

So, since I have some VERY important work to do before Wednesday and need Office XP on this computer, should I reformat yet again? Would a quick fix be to install another mail client, such as Incredimail? (The next 2 weeks will be very busy for me. If another mail client would work temporarily I could fix the problem when I have more time.)

By the way, the error I receive (on all 3 accounts) when trying to send/receive mail is:

"The host 'mail.bellsouth.net' could not be found. Please verify that you have entered the server name correctly. Account: 'mail.bellsouth.net', Server: 'mail.bellsouth.net', Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Socket Error: 11004, Error Number: 0x800CCC0D"

Just looking at this error: Do I need to configure Zone Alarm Pro v4.5.538.001 to allow signals to port 110? If so, which signals please? (I've never had to configure Zone Alarm to do this before but I DID update my version...)

Heartfelt thanks in advance!

Gina

 

Just by chance Gina go to Outlook Express/Tools/Accounts/Properties/Connection make sure always connect to this account is checked.

 

jujet84: Thanks for the reply. (Good try!) I did try both "Any Available" and "Bellsouth Fast Access" (which is how I connect to the internet) last night but re-checked the "Always connect to this account using" then "Bellsouth Fast Access." It didn't work... Any more suggestions? Just anything that comes to mind I'll appreciate because I could have forgotten something; it's been awhile since I've had to configure an OE account.

I really think I may have trashed the registry somehow but I could be wrong... (I have run Registry Mechanic and RegSupreme, in "Extra Deep Mode" several times.)

Thanks again!

Gina

 

Ok lets try this first
To Power Cycle Your Computer and Modem:
Shutting down and restarting the computer may be all that is necessary to eliminate this error.
Click the Start button and choose Shut Down.
When the Shut Down Windows dialog box appears, choose Shut down the computer, and click Yes.
Turn off the computer when prompted. If you have an external modem, make sure to turn the power off on it as well. If there is no on/off switch on the modem, you may have to unplug the modem's power supply.
After 10 seconds, turn the machine and modem (if external) back on and attempt to connect again.

 

jujet84:
Ok, I powered down my computer and unplugged the modem (no on/off switch so I unplugged it.) I waited about a minute then plugged in the modem and started the computer. (Should I have done the reverse first or does it matter?) I also checked with Bellsouth to see whether I needed a firmware upgrade-- no upgrade needed. (Still no go with Outlook Express.) Also, I have a "Bellsouth Fast Access DSL Help Center" software module that sits on my desktop and can give me pertinent information about my connection and system. According to Bellsouth everything is ok with my connection, but I have included a screenshot of what I thought might possibly shed some light on the situation...? The "layering" was done because my "scroll" feature wouldn't work inside the frame. (I'm picking at straws trying to think of a clue to help you help me.)

BTW, I followed Black Viper's XP Services guide for "Safe" settings immediately after I did the fresh XP Pro install. Let me know what you think I should do next-- anything you can think of I will try! I just REALLY appreciate your help!

Heartfelt thanks,

Gina

 

Have you tryed a repair yet?skip this advice for now.
Could you explain how you went about setting up your mail.Did you remove all previous addresss through the Internet Acounts.then clicking on add new account

 

What kind of repair? A repair with the "Bellsouth Fast Access DSL Help Center" software module? In order to do this I need a point to "restore" to. (It's a nice feature, like System Restore but using no resources until you need them.) The only problem is that I never had the Outlook Express up and running after I reformatted 10 days ago, so no point to restore to. Or... are you referring to another type of repair?

Thanks,
Gina

 

Sorry, didn't see that last bit of your post... Did you just add it or am I getting foggy?

Before I set up any OE accounts I merged the backed-up registry keys for "mail rules" and "mail and news accounts settings." I DID NOT back up my registry before I made these changes, which was stupid of me. I then installed Firetrust Mailwasher Pro. IMMEDIATELY, it picked up the mail settings. Then, I went into Outlook Express and used "Tools/Accounts/Mail/Add/Mail," then added each separately through "Internet Connection Wizard." Last night I tried removing all accounts in Outlook Express then uninstalling MailWasher Pro for safe measure. I then re-installed MailWasher Pro and reconfigured the accounts in Outlook Express the same way I did it the first time. Still, no luck...

If this is a registry problem (my fault of course) could I just use another email client (such as Incredimail) until I have time to reformat again? Or would the same thing happen?

Thanks for your patience,
Gina

 

By the way, I am removing all the accounts again and re-configuring them. If this helps I will post and let you know! If you can think of anything else, please let me know.

Thanks,
Gina

 

Ok, removing and reconfiguring didn't help... *rips a handful of hair from head* (THAT didn't work either- LOL!) Any more suggestions, please let me know!

Thanks again,
Gina

 

OK lets try a repair.Follow this instructions
To run a check on the files and see if one or more is corrupted use the System File Checker that is included with Windows XP.

Click [Start] [Run] and type sfc /scannow in the [Open] box.
(Note that there is a space between sfc and /scannow)

In all likelihood you will be prompted to insert the Windows XP CD ROM.

 

jujet84! I have a confession: I thought you had gone to bed so saw a MG recommended thread (below) and went to Microsoft Knowledge based a few minutes ago (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378&Product=winxp) and did the following:

1) While you are logged on as an administrator, click Start, and then click Run.

2) In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.

3) Locate the appropriate registry subkey, right-click the IsInstalled (REG_DWORD) value, and then click Modify.

4) To reinstall only Outlook Express 6 on Windows XP, use the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{44BBA840-CC51-11CF-AAFA-00AA00B6015C}

5) Change the value data from 1 to 0, and then click OK.

That is as far as I got, then came back to this web page and saw your response. I would rather try it your way. I KNOW I screwed up Outlook Express and have faulty registry entries, but I have a big problem understanding the Microsoft Knowledge Based web pages... I've never gotten anything out of them but a severe migraine! I DID back up the registry this time, so I can restore it if necessary. Honestly, even tough the Microsoft web page "hints" that it can be done, I don't see how Outlook Express ONLY can be re-installed, and I have had HUGE problems trying to re-install IE 6! (I would rather just reformat that re-install IE 6!)

So here's my point: Even after changing that registry value, Outlook Express is still opening and has the same account info. Can I just follow your advice WITHOUT re-merging the backed-up registry key? I mean, I can't HURT anything by running System File Checker, right?

THANKS for hanging in there with me!

Gina

 

Just headed for some shuteye, but what you are doing on the sfc is checking for corrupted files and if it finds one insert cd to correct.Your good to go.I'll chkin the morning, besides someone will probably chk in to here to help out.There are some good "Geekers" here

 

Hmmm...
I inserted the XP Pro CD, it keeps prompting for the Cd again and again, I hit "retry," then the progress window climbs a little more. After it gets to 100% (the bar is full) it does NOTHING. Is this normal? Did I pass the test??

Thanks,
Gina

 

Ok, MUCH thanks jujet84! Get some good sleep, and sweet dreams!

Gina

 

Gina, I noticed in your screen cap from BellSouth's diagnostic that DHCP is showing as NOT enabled. I've got BellSouth DSL, and on my system internetting didn't work with that disabled. Try re-enabling DHCP Client in Services and see if that helps any. A lot of the Services tweak guides recommend turning that off, but BellSouth seems to need it.

 

Ok, I finally did it! BTW, G.T., I'll have another look at the DHCP settings in the Diagnostic tool (THAT's what they call the thing! I forgot- LOL!) I don't want anything to mess up again! Thanks for the reply!

How did I do it?? Ok, I followed the instructions, reluctantly, given on http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378&Product=winxp Method 2, then I re-checked the registry to be sure those values were set to "0." I uninstalled the update for Outlook Express under Add/Remove programs, then stuck my XP Pro CD back into the computer and went to "Install optional Windows Components." You can put a check (or clear the check) beside the optional component you want to uninstall. I had to do this twice, but the first time, a screen appeared on start-up informing me that Outlook Express had been uninstalled from my system-- KEWL! So I repeated and re-installed Outlook Express.

After that, all I had to do was go into Outlook Express and set up my mail accounts. Now all my MailWasher Pro mail is clearing and going into my inbox... Whew! I'll set up my rules and folders now. Everything is great!
Thanks jujet84! and G.T., and thanks to General_Lee_Stoned for providing the link above in the following post: http://www.majorgeeks.com/vb/showthread.php?t=27277

So G.T., did you work late again?

Peace everyone and take care,

Gina

 

LOL. No, I'm back to my "normal" hours, which end at 8:00 PM Central. 2:00 AM is pretty normal for me... although 4:30AM is definitely NOT.

Sounds like it was probably mushed registry settings. Glad you got it fixed. Don't forget to go back to Windows Update & get the updates for it all over again.

 

I'll always be grateful to you for staying up with me like you did, or I would have thrown this 'puter away already! (I will get the updates. I am having to re-install my AVG too.)

"Nail biting spectators..." All I can say is WOW, I'm impressed! I am so hesitant to give advice on this board. (I'm afraid I'll say something stupid that will cause someone to TOTALLY mess up their computer! ) I guess that when you are in the company of greatness, you do your best thinking! I WILL get confident enough one day to start giving back to all these geeks, most of whom have saved my bum numerous times! A few more battle scars perhaps-- LOL!

You all are GREAT! Thanks again!

Gina

 

Mornin---- Congrat's Gina,Im glad you didn't give up. I missed what GT pointed out thank goodness for another set of eyes your sfc scan from the way you described it fixed some screwed up files.Remember a lot of other people would have thrown in the towel,and done a reinstall.Gotta give ya credit for sticking it out.cheers

 

Messed up again...

Sorry, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my Outlook Express is messed up again!

I'm sure this was my fault... Being paranoid that anything could go wrong, I changed my "stored" folder to "F:\OE Mail Folder Created 3-09-04" ("F" being my USB HD) early this morning when I was too tired to think straight. So AVG 7.0 didn't want to scan email, even when I changed it's queued folder as well. I have tried a repair with sfc /scannow (thanks again, jujet84! It sure comes in handy!) the registry trick on http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378&Product=winxp Method 2, and I've uninstalled AVG 7.0. (I am about to re-install as I am getting paranoid-- LOL!)

Is there a way to change my "stored" folder back to default? (C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{EBD460C6-8886-4E2E-A430-34FBA6DF2C0C}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\)

You must change it through "Tools/Options/Maintenance/Store folder" by clicking on "Change" then browsing for the folder, correct? I cannot reach C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{EBD460C6-8886-4E2E-A430-34FBA6DF2C0C}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\ by browsing...

G.T.: After reading your post I changed my services.msc from "Tweaked" to "Safe" with a few modifications. I have attached a screenshot (modified drastically because it was too many pixels- my apologies) and I hope you can see the details in it. Have I enabled the right services? NOTE: Attachment removed by ginanatl due to space considerations.

Any suggestions appreciated, and my heartfelt thanks in advance!

Gina

 

By the way, NO HURRY on this... I realize it's cumbersome, my husband can get email through MailWasher Pro for now (my important email goes to Yahoo) and I have a boat-load of work to do which doesn't require Outlook Express... everything else is working.

Thanks again!
Gina

 

Fixed (again!)

Hi Fellow Geeks,
I think I have the solution for myself (for now.)
Since Edward's (my husband's) email address is on his web site (ARGH! ) and I cannot change this without the access code (I have tried several times to email/call the company that hosts his site about this but have never heard from them) I have decided to check my Bellsouth mail from the web from now on and just set up the Mail Washer and the Outlook Express for him only (for now.)

Can you imagine the SPAM I have to deal with on a daily basis from a clear password on a web site?? No wonder I am so dramatic and cranky all the time! (LOL! )

Anyway, cheers and thank you all! I am leaving the services.msc up for a while in case anyone (G.T?) wants to comment... Let me know if it is too grainy to see please.

Take Care,
Gina

 

Gina, your Services look fine. Almost a mirror image of what I run. Those should be no problem.

As far as putting your Store folder back, do you normally use "Administrator" as your login, or do you have your own account under Gina or something else? Your Store folder should go under whatever your personal account is, not necessarily under Administrator, although you should be able to access all accounts on your system with any account that has admin rights. Assuming "administrator" is your normal login name, do you just not see an "Outlook Express" folder where it's supposed to be? If so, try creating that folder manually in Windows Explorer in the correct location, and see if you can change to that folder. It should let you.

 

G.T., that's what I was hoping for-- a mirror of what you were running!
Now I'll start up Acronis True Image and make a few ghost Cd's.

I made a VERY startling discovery a few minutes ago! Without the Windows' Cumulative Patch for Outlook Express (330994) described in: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-014.mspx
I can run all three email accounts simultaneously on one OE account, separating them with Message Rules. If I update I get the error messages! *STRANGE!* Is there any reason I must have this update?

As far as logging in, G.T., I haven't logged in to Windows for some time but this is probably due to a tweaking program I use. As far as I know though, I am always logged in as Administrator (no one else uses this computer.) I DO have "Administrator" and "All Users" under the "Documents and Settings." My Outlook Express is working now though, with the stored folder set as "F:\OE Mail Folder Created 3-09-04." I am afraid to change anything since it's working, unless you (or someone else in the know) strongly suggests it. What do you think? Should I still manually create a folder?

Much thanks!

Gina

 

If it's working and you're comfy with it, I'd leave it.

As far as the security update, you're not the first person to get crippled by a Microsoft patch. Leave that one off, and just use your AV software to catch the baddies that try to download.

[edit] Just read the MS page, and that sucker's over a half year old. Ignore that and try just the most current cumulative patch, from Windows Update, dated Feb 2004, which likely will have quietly fixed whatever was broken in that old one. "Cumulative" means it incorporates all previous fixes. You only need the latest one.

 

Thanks G.T.! I must have already downloaded the update you're talking about because the only one to show up when I scan for updates is the one I uninstalled. I AM comfortable without it-- I'm extremely careful with email.

Good-night and thanks again!
Gina