[techtalk] Woes :\

[Amy]

I am assuming you are using Outlook Express on a
windows machine...if you aren't, these instructions
for troubleshooting won't mean much. If you are
on a Mac, I can provide some help there as well.

There's a GOOD chance nothing is wrong with the
mail server, and every chance that something is wrong
with Outlook Express. I deal with this everyday as
internet tech support. First, if you have Norton
anti-virus installed, you should check to make sure
that the incoming mail server name under Tools,
Accounts, Mail tab, Properties of the account,
and Servers says your mail server, and not the loopback
IP of 127.0.0.1. The reason for this is that whenever
Norton has a slower network, e-mail times out
when it tries to route your e-mail through them
to scan it before downloading it to you.
Also, on the same page, some mail servers
may or may not require the two bottom checks. Ours
don't, so I usually check that, because it causes problems
if people DO have them checked. Also, Check the Advanced
tab and make sure that nothing is checked there unless you
are *supposed* to be using SSL connections. Some of this
stuff has been known to 'magically' change overnight, I know
that sounds like hooey, but I myself have experienced this
phenomenon with OE.

Amy

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kath" <ranger at optonline.net>
To: <techtalk at linuxchix.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2001 7:15 AM
Subject: [techtalk] Woes :\


Suddenly, I can no longer receive email sent to kathweb.net.  In Outlook
Express, I get the following error:

"A time-out occurred while communicating with the server. Account:
'kathweb.net', Server: 'kathweb.net', Protocol: POP3, Port: 110,
Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800CCC19"

Now I have checked, via a portscan, and found that port 110 is open.  I can
login to the box via ssh and type "mail" and see the mail waiting for me.  I
haven't installed any new software or anything similar.

Any ideas?

- Kath