E-mail with Outlook Express

[mike13]

A friend is having intermittant problems getting and sending messages. She is using XP Pro, Internet Explorer, and Outlook Express. Her ISP (RCN) is no help. This is the message that she gets "The connection to the server has failed. Account: 'pop.rcn.com', Server:
'127.0.0.1', Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Socket Error: 10061,
Error Number: 0x800CCC0E"
Any suggestions are much appreciated.

[Reverend]

Has she checked her mail account settings?

I found a link for setting up accounts. I'm guessing this is the correct RCN:

[mike13]

Thanks Reverend for the link. I forewarded it to her with some additional info.

[mike13]

She tried that link, and called RCN again. They tell her that something in her computer is changing the incomming mail port from 25 to 23. I told her she must have a virus and or spyware on her computer. I directed her to use the online scan at Panda and Trend Micro.

[rik]

What is she using for a software firewall?

[mike13]

Update--, she went to that Panda site and scanned for viruses and spyware.
She said it found 56 viruses. I believe it was a combination of viruses and spyware. Anyway-the computer is working great again like it should. She is able to get and receive e-mail like normal again.

rik-- she has no third party firewall. She is behind a router though. I advised her to make sure the firewall in XP is enabled, and she should be pretty safe.
I also advised her to download AVG again, and that the most important thing about any antivirus is to keep it updated. At least every third day if not sooner.
Thanks for the suggestions !!!

[adeydas]

She said it found 56 viruses

bummer .