Sorry, do you actually have mail.server.com? or are you using this as an example? Can you ping the address in dos?

Start > run > type cmd - press return > type ping mail.server.com (or whatever yours is) and hit return....are you getting a reply?

I'm getting a ping reply and like I said I can retrieve new mail, it just wont connect up to send.

Re-check your outgoing smtp settings - make sure you have the right details.

...and I take it you found this:

0x800CCC0E The connection to the server has failed. Account: 'XXX.XXX.XXX', Server: 'XXX.XXX.XXX', Protocol: XXX, Port: XXX, Secure(SSL): No, Socket Error: 10061, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E First refer to configuring Outlook / Outlook Express

Find out if you have "Caller Line Identification" or try this - Double left click My Computer, Double left click Dialup Networking, right click [yourISP] connection, left click Properties clear Area Code box, type in tel no box [area code],ISP Telephone No.]

"The line was dropped and connection lost while the user was either downloading or sending mail" - Try unplugging other devices on your phone line. Check to make sure you don?t have call waiting.

Is the modem set to disconnect after a set time? Control Panel, Modems, and Connection.

Is the modem phone line still plugged in?

Make sure you are not trying to send e-mail while connected to another ISP.

Yes, I did see that article but found it unhelpful. When you say recheck SMTP settings are you talking about the server name in Express??

Okay, I got it... I had to change my port because COX, my ISP, disables automatic use of other servers.

Thanks again Hengis, you sure get around to the forums... I feel like I'm wasting your time cause I keep figuring out the problems my self, but I is good to have someone throw out other ideas.

Peace

Fixing PCs usually does require some "user" participation - Let's hope that we have helped you in some way and as for time wasting, nah