Outlook 2002 does not receive POP3 mail.

[Guest]

After several years of generally good performance, my terminals have suddenly
quit receiving e-mail messages from my POP3 e-mail/domain host server.
Sending does not seem to be affected, and I can still send and receive
to/from my ISP e-mail server.

The error message I receive is as follows:
Task '(account name) - Receiving' reported error (0x80042108) : 'Outlook is
unable to connect to your incoming (POP3) e-mail server. If you continue to
receive this message, contact your server administrator or Internet service
provider (ISP).'

I have three computers connected on a wired LAN with a Linksys BEFSR81
switch/router configured as a gateway to a DSL line. Two of the terminals
are running versions of Win2K (1-Server, 1-Pro) with Outlook 2002, and one is
running WinXPPro with Outlook 2003, but all are affected in the same way.

I have double-checked the configuration of the router, and made sure that
the correct MTU size was entered. My ISP and my domain host have both vowed
that the problem is not in their systems. I have pinged and telnetted both
outside servers with good success. Something in my system is causing the
roadblock, and I suspect the router, but don't understand how. Can someone
help me to troubleshoot this problem?

 

[Hal Hostetler [MVP S/U]]

Your Linksys router is the likely culprit here, have a look at this article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813514
How to troubleshoot error messages that you receive when try to send and
receive e-mail in Outlook and in Outlook Express

Hal
--
Hal Hostetler, CPBE -- (e-mail address removed)
Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP-S/U -- WA7BGX
http://www.kvoa.com -- "When News breaks, we fix it!"
KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. NBC Channel 4
Still Cadillacin' - www.badnewsbluesband.com

 

[Guest]

I had previously explored that article, Hal, but after trying everything
applicable in it except creating a new e-mail profile (which I'm afraid might
be overkill), the problem persists. I'm especially cautious about "fixing"
Outlook, because the same problem plagues my other two terminals, each
running a different version of Outlook.

Searching the Microsoft KB, I found something bizarre in that the exact
error message I encounter is only found in Article 837368, but this article
addresses the interface between Microsoft Exchange POP3 service, Outlook and
Windows Small Business Server 2003. I'm not running Microsoft Exchange or
Windows Small Business Server 2003.

John Stover

 

[Hal Hostetler [MVP-S/U]]

Creating a new email profile is generally safe and often VERY effective at
correcling unusual problems. You might consider giving it a try...

Hal
--
Hal Hostetler, CPBE -- (e-mail address removed)
Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP-S/U -- WA7BGX
http://www.kvoa.com -- "When News breaks, we fix it!"
KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. NBC Channel 4
Still Cadillacin' - www.badnewsbluesband.com

 

[Guest]

Thanks for sticking it out with me, Hal. I'll keep your advice in mind for
next time. I found after extensive troubleshooting that the Linksys router
was the culprit. I replaced it with a Netgear WGR614v3 that I had purchased
last summer, and everything is OK again. The Netgear router gives me the
advantage of connecting to my two desktops over a wired LAN, and roaming
around the property on my laptops with a wireless connection. I purchased a
bunch of Netgear wireless components to experiment with wireless LAN when
they were offering big rebates last summer, but hadn't done much with them
until now. I didn't realize I could have the best of both worlds!

Regards,
John Stover