IMAP connecting error

[Guest]

I use Windows XP Home (SP2) + Office 2003.

I am connected to my ISP via a home router/hub (NAT & DHCP) and an ASDL modem.

My ISP provides me with an email IMAP account, to which I connect from my
Outlook.

The problem is that my IMAP connection *sometimes* works and *sometimes*
doesn't. When it does, it works perfectly for several hours, and then it
switches itself into a "non-working" situation that may last for hours as
well. Then it suddenly resumes working as if nothing happened.

In the "non-working" mode, checking for new email is "stuck" with the error
message:

Task 'Checking for new mail in subscribed folders on [name of mail server].'
reported error (0x800CCC0E) : 'Outlook is unable to download folder (null)
from the IMAP e-mail server for account [name of mail server]. Error: Unable
to connect to the server. If you continue to receive this message, contact
your server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'

The frustrating thing is that the problem is not reproducible - it seems to
have its own will. This rules out several options (e.g., firewall settings),
and makes it terribly different to check.

 

[Brian Tillman]

I use Windows XP Home (SP2) + Office 2003.

I am connected to my ISP via a home router/hub (NAT & DHCP) and an
ASDL modem.

My ISP provides me with an email IMAP account, to which I connect
from my Outlook.

Please don't multipost.