Help! I’m having e-mail problems

E-mail is a fast, convenient way to communicate with coworkers and keep in touch with friends and family. When it isn’t working, however, it can be frustrating. Here are some things you can try when you’re having e-mail problems.

Check your e-mail settings

Make sure you have properly entered all the required information from your e-mail provider, such as account name, password, and server settings. If necessary, manually delete this account and re-enter the information.

Can you view Web pages?

If you can’t, your Internet connection may have stopped working. Reboot your system and reset your DSL or cable modem. This usually involves disconnecting the modem from your PC or from the modem’s power supply for about 20 seconds and then reconnecting and rebooting your computer. If you’re using a dial-up modem, or if you still can’t send or receive e-mail or view Web pages, contact your Internet service provider.

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What does it mean?

firewall
A security solution which segregates one portion of a network from another, allowing only authorized network traffic to pass through.

Run the E-mail Troubleshooter in Help and Support

If you’re using Windows XP, the E-mail Troubleshooter can help you solve the problem on your own.

To use the troubleshooter:

Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.

1. In the Search box in the upper-left corner, type e-mail.

2. Click the green arrow button to start the search. The Suggested Topics pane below the Search box displays 15 results.

3. In the Fix a Problem area, click E-mail Troubleshooter.

4. Follow the prompts based on the problem you are having; for example, I can’t start Outlook Express, or I have a problem as soon as it starts.

Try safe mode with networking

Safe mode with networking is a Windows starting mode that bypasses the usual startup files and loads only the most basic drivers. You only have access to basic functions (for example, mouse, monitor, or keyboard) and default system services (for example, Web browsing and sending or receiving e-mail). Starting a computer in safe mode allows you to correct certain kinds of problems with your system or to verify if certain applications or operating system functions work correctly in the “safe” environment. Note that not all applications will work in safe mode. Safe mode is for diagnostic purposes only and is not meant to be used long-term.

To start your computer in safe mode:

1. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.

2. Select Restart, and then click OK.

3. As the computer restarts (after Windows shuts down), press F8.

4. Select Safe Mode with Networking, and then press ENTER.

If Windows starts up again before you can get into safe mode, restart your computer and try again.

If you can connect to the Internet in safe mode but not normal mode, try one of these solutions:

· In normal mode, run the Network Setup Wizard (click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Setup Wizard.)

· In normal mode or safe mode, run System Restore back to a date you know your connection worked.

· In normal mode, run the E-mail Troubleshooter for e-mail–related issues (see the previous section).

Contact your e-mail provider for assistance

If all else fails and you still can’t get your e-mail to work, contact your ISP or Web mail provider for help. They may have other suggestions or tips based on the type of service you have with them.