outlook express

incoming mail problem: recently, whenever I open OE no incoming messages are allowed - error messages OX800cccoe indicating incorrect pop3 server and account name. I can alter the names using Tools-Accounts Mail Server- settings to allow messages to be received. But when I close OE the new settings for pop3 and account name under the 'server' tab aren't retained. I have to reset them everytime I open OE.

I thought it was a problem caused by my e-mail server, Virgin, but the problem also exists with a hotmail account subsequently created if I try to set up this account in OE. This leads me to believe it is a problem with OE.

The server settings that OE won't alter permanently are as follows. Under pop3 it always reads as 'local host' ( whereas I change it to pop3.virgin.com or pop3.live.com as appropriate). The account name should have the e-mail name eg: squawk57@hotmail.co.uk, but will read as squawk57@hotmail.co.uk/pop3.hotmail.co.uk

Just as a further curiosity, I carried out a test and closed OE for a few seconds before rebooting. The virgin accounts' settings as described were not saved, but the hotmail one was??

Sorry if this is a bit long winded, but I thought it better to be as precise as poss.

Hope someone out there can help.