E-mail username & p/w had to be reentered after XP SP3 installed

[Michael T.]

Last night I installed XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

But when I launched Outlook Express I got an error message (within a dialog
box) when OE tried to connect to my mail server.

The message said, "Please enter your user name and password for the
following server: pop.west.cox.net".

Note: This is the common error you get whenever your password or user name
is incorrect in the SERVER tab for your e-mail account properties.

I reentered the exact same "User Name" and "Password" that was already in
the two edit boxes for this dialog box. After that I could read e-mail OK.

Please note that this little anomaly seems to be ISP dependent.

I have two ISPs and I therefore use two POP servers with Outlook Express.

I had no problem with "pop.att.yahoo.com".
The aforementioned problem ONLY existed with "pop.west.cox.net".

The first server is for AT&T (formerly SBC Global). The second server is for
ISP COX Communications.

My residence: Southern California

Has anyone else, who uses Outlook Express or Outlook, had to reenter their
e-mail user name & password after installing SP3?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party firewall
(if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

 

[Michael T.]

The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers. I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their answers are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT Yahoo!

Anti-spyware

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

The fact that these Norton applications were running when SP3 was installed
/may/ be related to this behavior.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers. I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I
would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their answers
are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT
Yahoo!

Anti-spyware
------------------
ONLY Windows Defender

Comment
--------------
What is intriguing is why I only had to reenter my username and password
for
the POP server "pop.west.cox.net" - and NOT for POP server
"pop.att.yahoo.com".

[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
firewall (if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

 

[Michael T.]

Thank you for the links. As a retired software developer I totally agree
that it is 'usually' a good idea to disable your antivirus program before
installing (or upgrading) new software. I used to be somewhat of an
InstallShield expert.

However here's the latest.

Before I had a chance to read your post, I did a test. Namely, with the same
anti-virus and firewall active (or running) I did the same SP3 install on a
second computer (my laptop).

What I discovered is that I was able to access both e-mail servers just
fine.

So either COX Communications fixed a problem with their server in that last
24 hours or something went wrong with the steps I used to upgrade to SP3
which may have been my fault.

Oh well, at least both my desktop and laptop seem to be receiving and
sending e-mail with Outlook Express error free.

Michael

The fact that these Norton applications were running when SP3 was
installed /may/ be related to this behavior.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton
Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers. I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I
would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their answers
are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT
Yahoo!

Anti-spyware
------------------
ONLY Windows Defender

Comment
--------------
What is intriguing is why I only had to reenter my username and password
for
the POP server "pop.west.cox.net" - and NOT for POP server
"pop.att.yahoo.com".

[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
firewall (if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing
mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

 

[OldDuke]

Last night I installed XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

But when I launched Outlook Express I got an error message (within a dialog
box) when OE tried to connect to my mail server.

The message said, "Please enter your user name and password for the
following server: pop.west.cox.net".

Note: This is the common error you get whenever your password or user name
is incorrect in the SERVER tab for your e-mail account properties.

I reentered the exact same "User Name" and "Password" that was already in
the two edit boxes for this dialog box. After that I could read e-mail OK.

Please note that this little anomaly seems to be ISP dependent.

I have two ISPs and I therefore use two POP servers with Outlook Express.

I had no problem with "pop.att.yahoo.com".
The aforementioned problem ONLY existed with "pop.west.cox.net".

The first server is for AT&T (formerly SBC Global). The second server is for
ISP COX Communications.

My residence: Southern California

Has anyone else, who uses Outlook Express or Outlook, had to reenter their
e-mail user name & password after installing SP3?

Do you OE or OUTLOOK in the group's title? NO.

Ask elsewhere

 

[Michael T.]

Thank you for the links. As a retired software developer I totally agree
that it is 'usually' a good idea to disable your antivirus program before
installing (or upgrading) new software. I used to be somewhat of an
InstallShield expert.

However here's the latest.

Before I had a chance to read your post, I did a test. Namely, with the same
anti-virus and firewall active (or running) I did the same SP3 install on a
second computer (my laptop).

What I discovered is that I was able to access both e-mail servers just
fine.

So either COX Communications fixed a problem with their server in that last
24 hours or something went wrong with the steps I used to upgrade to SP3
which may have been my fault.

Oh well, at least both my desktop and laptop seem to be receiving and
sending e-mail with Outlook Express error free.

Michael

The fact that these Norton applications were running when SP3 was
installed /may/ be related to this behavior.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton
Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers. I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I
would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their answers
are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT
Yahoo!

Anti-spyware
------------------
ONLY Windows Defender

Comment
--------------
What is intriguing is why I only had to reenter my username and password
for
the POP server "pop.west.cox.net" - and NOT for POP server
"pop.att.yahoo.com".

[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
firewall (if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing
mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

 

[Michael T.]

Sorry for the duplicate posts. I was getting an error message (that one of
the two newsgroups was unrecognizable), so I sent in again.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Is the identity on the first machine named Main Identity but not on the
second machine (File | Identities | Manage identities)?

Thank you for the links. As a retired software developer I totally agree
that it is 'usually' a good idea to disable your antivirus program before
installing (or upgrading) new software. I used to be somewhat of an
InstallShield expert.

However here's the latest.

Before I had a chance to read your post, I did a test. Namely, with the
same
anti-virus and firewall active (or running) I did the same SP3 install on
a
second computer (my laptop).

What I discovered is that I was able to access both e-mail servers just
fine.

So either COX Communications fixed a problem with their server in that
last
24 hours or something went wrong with the steps I used to upgrade to SP3
which may have been my fault.

Oh well, at least both my desktop and laptop seem to be receiving and
sending e-mail with Outlook Express error free.

Michael

The fact that these Norton applications were running when SP3 was
installed /may/ be related to this behavior.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton
Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact
same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers. I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I
would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their answers
are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT
Yahoo!

Anti-spyware
------------------
ONLY Windows Defender

Comment
--------------
What is intriguing is why I only had to reenter my username and password
for
the POP server "pop.west.cox.net" - and NOT for POP server
"pop.att.yahoo.com".



[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
firewall (if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing
mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

 

[Michael T.]

My Outlook Express Identity is named "Main Identity" on both my desktop and
my laptop.

Is the identity on the first machine named Main Identity but not on the
second machine (File | Identities | Manage identities)?

Thank you for the links. As a retired software developer I totally agree
that it is 'usually' a good idea to disable your antivirus program before
installing (or upgrading) new software. I used to be somewhat of an
InstallShield expert.

However here's the latest.

Before I had a chance to read your post, I did a test. Namely, with the
same
anti-virus and firewall active (or running) I did the same SP3 install on
a
second computer (my laptop).

What I discovered is that I was able to access both e-mail servers just
fine.

So either COX Communications fixed a problem with their server in that
last
24 hours or something went wrong with the steps I used to upgrade to SP3
which may have been my fault.

Oh well, at least both my desktop and laptop seem to be receiving and
sending e-mail with Outlook Express error free.

Michael

The fact that these Norton applications were running when SP3 was
installed /may/ be related to this behavior.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Michael T. wrote:
The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton
Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact
same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers.
I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I
would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their
answers
are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT
Yahoo!

Anti-spyware
------------------
ONLY Windows Defender

Comment
--------------
What is intriguing is why I only had to reenter my username and
password
for
the POP server "pop.west.cox.net" - and NOT for POP server
"pop.att.yahoo.com".



[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
firewall (if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing
mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

The default Main Identity is especially subject to such corruption. The
fact that this occurred in only one of them is sheer luck IMHO. For
reliability, I'd recommend replacing the Main Identity with a new Named
Identity.

Create a new Named Identity (File | Identities | Add new identity) and
configure your mail & news accounts in it. Assuming all is well, (1)
compact all folders in the old identity (i.e., Main Identity), (2) import
messages from the old identity into the new one, and then (3) delete the old
one (File | Identities | Manage Identities).

To avoid such corruption in future:

- Don't use Inbox or Sent Items to archive messages. Move them to local
folders created for this purpose.

- Empty Deleted Items folder daily.

- Disable Background Compacting [removed in WinXP SP2] and frequently
perform a manual compact of all OE folders while "working offline". More at
http://www.insideoe.com/files/maintain.htm

- WinXP SP2 only: Do not cancel Automatic Compacting, should it occur, and
do not attempt to close OE via Task Manager or shutdown your machine if
Automatic Compacting is taking place.

- Disable email scanning by your anti-virus application. It can cause
corruption (i.e., loss of messages), it provides no additional protection,
and even Symantec says it's not necessary:

<QP>
Disabling Email Scanning does not leave you unprotected against viruses that
are distributed as email attachments. Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect scans
incoming files as they are saved to your hard drive, including email and
email attachments. Email Scanning is just another layer on top of this. To
make sure that Auto-Protect is providing the maximum protection, keep
Auto-Protect enabled and run LiveUpdate regularly to ensure that you have
the most recent virus definitions.
</QP>
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2002111812533106
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

My Outlook Express Identity is named "Main Identity" on both my desktop
and
my laptop.

Is the identity on the first machine named Main Identity but not on the
second machine (File | Identities | Manage identities)?

Thank you for the links. As a retired software developer I totally agree
that it is 'usually' a good idea to disable your antivirus program
before
installing (or upgrading) new software. I used to be somewhat of an
InstallShield expert.

However here's the latest.

Before I had a chance to read your post, I did a test. Namely, with the
same
anti-virus and firewall active (or running) I did the same SP3 install
on
a
second computer (my laptop).

What I discovered is that I was able to access both e-mail servers just
fine.

So either COX Communications fixed a problem with their server in that
last
24 hours or something went wrong with the steps I used to upgrade to SP3
which may have been my fault.

Oh well, at least both my desktop and laptop seem to be receiving and
sending e-mail with Outlook Express error free.

Michael


The fact that these Norton applications were running when SP3 was
installed /may/ be related to this behavior.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Michael T. wrote:
The following were active when SP3 was installed.

Anti-virus
-------------
AT&T customers have free access to install what is called "Norton
Security
Online". Having previously used NIS 2007, it appears to be the exact
same
application in look and feel - rebranded . So I would caution against
assuming it might be this 'special' version of NIS for AT&T customers.
I
suppose there is a chance this could be the problem (or cause). But I
would
be anxious to hear if anyone else sees this issue and what their
answers
are
to your questions.
Note: My NIS is configured to scan incoming/outgoing mail?

3rd Party Firewall
------------------------
Same as above. Namely, Norton Security Online, ver. 10.2.0.30 for ATT
Yahoo!

Anti-spyware
------------------
ONLY Windows Defender

Comment
--------------
What is intriguing is why I only had to reenter my username and
password
for
the POP server "pop.west.cox.net" - and NOT for POP server
"pop.att.yahoo.com".



[Crosspost to OE General]

First I've heard of this.

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
firewall (if any)? Were any of them running when you installed SP3?

Is your anti-virus application configured to scan incoming/outgoing
mail?

OE-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
==
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002