MSN Prompts for SMTP and POP3 Mail Servers

• The Microsoft Network versions 1.2, 1.3, 2.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to read an e-mail message in MSN, The Microsoft Network, or send an e-mail message from MSN, Microsoft Internet Mail may open and you may be prompted to enter the names of your SMTP and POP3 mail servers.

You may also receive the following error message:

   The mail server name cannot be found. Please check your Internet
   Mail configuration, network connection and TCP/IP configuration and
   retry. If this persists, contact your LAN administrator or Internet
   provider.

CAUSE

Microsoft Internet Explorer may be configured to use Internet Mail to send and receive e-mail messages. Internet Mail and Outlook Express are not compatible with MSN 2.0 or earlier.

RESOLUTION

Configure Internet Explorer to use Windows Messaging or Microsoft Outlook to send and receive e-mail messages. To do so, use the following steps:

1. Right-click the Internet icon on the desktop, and then click Properties.

2. Click the Programs tab.

3. In the Mail box, click Windows Messaging or Microsoft Outlook.

4. Click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

Internet Mail and News requires an SMTP/POP3 mail server. MSN 2.0 does not currently offer SMTP/POP3 mail services.

If you want to use Internet News and Mail or Outlook Express with MSN, you need to upgrade to MSN version 2.5. For more information about this issue and about installing the latest version of MSN, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q174810
   TITLE     : Can I Use Outlook Express Without Upgrading to MSN 2.5?

   ARTICLE-ID: Q173439
   TITLE     : How to Configure Internet Mail for The Microsoft Network 2.5

   ARTICLE-ID: Q174200
   TITLE     : How to Install The Microsoft Network Version 2.5

   ARTICLE-ID: Q159037
   TITLE     : FastTips:  MSN Installation and Setup Questions & Answers

   ARTICLE-ID: Q159870
   TITLE     : Questions and Answers About Setting Up the New MSN