OL98: (IMO) Connection Error Using AT&T Internet Mail

When you start Microsoft Outlook or first connect to your AT&T Internet Mail server, you may receive the following error message: Following this message, you may notice that sent mail does not leave your Outbox.

This problem may result from either of the following:

• Incorrect settings in the Internet E-Mail service properties
• Corrupted password (.pwl) file

To correctly configure the Internet E-mail service, follow these steps to troubleshoot this problem.

Incorrect Settings Using the Internet E-Mail Service

If you are using the Internet Mail Only option, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Mail icon.
3. Click your AT&T World Net account in the list of Mail Accounts, and click Properties.
4. On the Servers tab in the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) box, type (in lowercase), mailhost.worldnet.att.net or the IP address, 204.127.129.4.
5. In the Incoming Mail (POP3) box, type (in lowercase), postoffice.worldnet.att.net or the IP address, 204.127.3.1.
   
   NOTE: AT&T also has a new POP3 address: postoffice.att.net. IP addresses or literal names for mail servers may change, especially if additional servers are added by the provider. If your mail server information is different than listed here, use the server names provided by AT&T. Make sure you use the correct address for your mailbox. If your mail server information is different than listed here, use the server name provided by AT&T.
6. In the Account Name box, type the user's e-mail name up to, but not including the @ symbol; and in Password, type your password.
7. Click OK, and Close to close all dialog boxes.

Start Outlook and send a message.

Creating a New Password List File

If the previous steps do not resolve the error message referenced in the "Symptoms" section, your user password list may be damaged. The password list maintains a cache of user passwords used on your computer. To create a new password list, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files Or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type *.pwl and click Find Now.
3. Right-click the file named <username>.pwl, and click Rename on the shortcut menu.
4. Rename the file to <username>.old, and then press ENTER.
   
   NOTE: If you are using a personal certificate, you should export it before renaming your .pwl file. If you do not do so, it may be unavailable when you send e-mail. For more information, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   190296  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/190296/EN-US/ ) Unable to Use Personal Certificates in Outlook Express
5. Restart Windows.

You will be prompted to enter a new password before entering Windows.

To obtain your personal AT&T e-mail account information call one of these telephone numbers: For step-by-step instructions on configuring Outlook with AT&T World Net, visit the AT&T World Net User's Reference Guide at the following Web address: The third-party contact information included in this article is provided to help you find the technical support you need. This contact information is subject to change without notice. Microsoft in no way guarantees the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

For more information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: