How to Fix Common Outlook Express Errors?

The following are some of the common error messages that you may encounter when you attempt to send and receive error messages using Outlook Express:

“No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it.”

“The server could not be found. (Account:account name, POPserver:'mail', Error Number: 0x800ccc0d)”

“Task 'server name - Sending and Receiving' reported error (0x800ccc0f): 'The connection to the server was interrupted. If this problem continues, contact the server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP). The server responded: ?”

“Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection. Possible causes of this include server problems, network problems, or a long period of inactivity. Account. account name, Server: 'server name', Protocol: POP3, Server Response: '+OK', Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800ccc0f”

“Task 'SMTP server name - Sending and Receiving' reported error (0x80042109): 'Outlook is unable to connect to your outgoing (SMTP) e-mail server. If you continue to receive this message, contact the server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).”

“The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving (POP) server 0x8004210a”

“A time-out occurred while communicating with the server 0x800ccc19”

You may also receive error messages containing error codes: 0x800ccc15, 0x80042108, 0x800ccc0e, 0x8004210b, 0x800ccc0b, 0x800ccc79, 0x800ccc67, and 0x80040900.

Causes of the Error

Problems in Internet Connectivity and incorrect account settings are one of the most common reasons behind these Outlook Express errors.

Resolution Methods

Troubleshoot the Outlook Express error messages by performing the following steps:

Step 1: Ensure that your PC is connected to the Internet

The best way to do this is to open Internet Explorer and try to open a Website. If you are able to browse the Internet, you are connected, otherwise you are not.

If you are not able to browse the Internet, then you will first have to troubleshoot Internet connectivity problems and resolve them. Some of the steps that you can perform to resolve Internet Connectivity problems are:

• The first and easiest way to troubleshoot network problems is to use the Network Diagnostics tool that is shipped both with Windows XP and Windows Vista computers. Using this tool you can scan your Windows computer to ensure that it has network connectivity and ensure that your network related programs are running fine. This tool basically helps you gather information that is required by you or a network professional to troubleshoot connectivity problems with your computer. After you diagnose the problem, resolve it to restore the connectivity. To run the Network Diagnostic tool, open Internet Explorer and then try to open a Web page. When an error message similar to “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage” is displayed, click the Diagnose Connection Problems link. This will display the Network Diagnostics dialog box. Follow the instructions on this dialog box to diagnose connectivity problems with your system.
• You can also use the Network Troubleshooter wizard to troubleshoot network connectivity problems. To launch this wizard, open the Start menu, select My Network Place, click View network connections in the left pane of My Network Places window, and then click Network Troubleshooter in the left pane of the Network Connections window. Follow the instructions in the wizard that opens to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve your network connectivity problems.
• You can also manually troubleshoot the problem. Some of the tasks that you can perform are:
  • Ensure that your DSL, cable or dial-up modem is properly connected to the PC and is working fine.
  • Restart your modem or router.
  • Check the settings of the firewall or router to ensure the SMTP (25) and POP3 (110) are open.
  • Ensure that the connectivity device you are using is compatible with your system.

Step 2: Check e-mail account settings

To view your e-mail account settings in Outlook Express, on the Tools menu, select Accounts and then display the Mail tab. Next, double-click the e-mail account you are troubleshooting to open its properties dialog box. Some of the important information that you need to configure e-mail account are:

• E-mail address (General tab)
• SMTP and POP3 server Address (Server tab)
• Login username and password (Server tab)
• SMTP and POP3 port numbers (Advanced tab)

The settings of your e-mail account are based on the configuration information given by your e-mail service provider. Therefore, you must ensure that your e-mail account is setup exactly the way the e-mail service provider has specified.