P
Peter Hibbs
OK, I messed up (although I suspect it is Microsoft's fault, not
mine).
Anyway, two days ago I downloaded a whole bunch of Windows updates
which I installed as normal. Can't remember exactly what they were but
they were mainly Security updates for various programs (including
Outlook). This may or may not be relevant, I'm not sure.
Later I tried to send an email using Outlook (2003) and a small pop up
window appeared at the bottom right of the screen saying something to
the effect that this was a suspicious activity and did I want to allow
it. Assuming that it was a virus or whatever, I clicked No. Then I
discovered that Outlook no longer works (connects to my ISP). Whenever
I try to send or check for emails I get this :-
Task 'mail.btinternet.com - Receiving' reported error (0x8004210A):
'The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving
(POP) server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your
server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'
There is nothing wrong with the internet connection or the ISP server
because I can switch to Outlook Express and everything works OK
(including IE, etc). It looks like something is barring Outlook from
connecting to the Internet. When I first tried to send an email using
Outlook Express, I got the same warning message but this time I
clicked Yes to allow the activity, and OE still works OK.
The problem is, I don't really know if it is something in Outlook or
my Firewall/Virus checking software (Trend Micro) or Windows XP itself
or something else. I have tried switching off the Firewall which makes
no difference. I have also gone back to a Restore Point before the
security updates were installed and it still fails (although those
updates seem to not be installed now).
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can re-enable Outlook or what to
look at next?
TIA
Peter Hibbs.
mine).
Anyway, two days ago I downloaded a whole bunch of Windows updates
which I installed as normal. Can't remember exactly what they were but
they were mainly Security updates for various programs (including
Outlook). This may or may not be relevant, I'm not sure.
Later I tried to send an email using Outlook (2003) and a small pop up
window appeared at the bottom right of the screen saying something to
the effect that this was a suspicious activity and did I want to allow
it. Assuming that it was a virus or whatever, I clicked No. Then I
discovered that Outlook no longer works (connects to my ISP). Whenever
I try to send or check for emails I get this :-
Task 'mail.btinternet.com - Receiving' reported error (0x8004210A):
'The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving
(POP) server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your
server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'
There is nothing wrong with the internet connection or the ISP server
because I can switch to Outlook Express and everything works OK
(including IE, etc). It looks like something is barring Outlook from
connecting to the Internet. When I first tried to send an email using
Outlook Express, I got the same warning message but this time I
clicked Yes to allow the activity, and OE still works OK.
The problem is, I don't really know if it is something in Outlook or
my Firewall/Virus checking software (Trend Micro) or Windows XP itself
or something else. I have tried switching off the Firewall which makes
no difference. I have also gone back to a Restore Point before the
security updates were installed and it still fails (although those
updates seem to not be installed now).
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can re-enable Outlook or what to
look at next?
TIA
Peter Hibbs.