A Couple More Computer Questions.

[biglou]

As some of you already know, I am a full-on compuspode. I can do some amazing things on occaision, and other times I can't seem to send an Email without causing a "Fatal Error"!

I have two basic questions and I'll try to provide as much pertinant info to help answer them.

1) I just can't seem to get Outlook Express to work. I have two hotmail accts and I can't get either of them to work. I have been to all of the "Help" sites, including the MS Help Desk. I understand about the POP3 server and the SMTP server. I just know that I am missing something simple. I have friends who can make it work, so I know it can be done!

2) Is it worth the money to upgrade from Windows ME to Windows XP? I hear great things about XP but I don't really understand all of the technicalities of what is being said, such as "It is more stable", etc.

My PC info: Compaq 5000 (I think, I know it's a 500x), WinME OS, Pentium Celeron 800mHz processor, 40 Ghz HD.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[JTT]

From one "compuspode" to another, I recently bought a new system with XP. It is pretty good, but beware, it does not like older hardware or software. When I say old, I mean even 2-3 yrs in some cases. HP has yet to create a patch to allow my LaserJet printer/scanner to work in scan mode. I have also had some issues with older software such as MXM2 (I know, "childrens game", but hey, a guy has to look fast somewhere ;) )

I am still trying to get used to the "cartoon" color schemes though :confused: (I know you can run it in "traditional mode", but figure I might as well get used to it in XP mode).

 

[trivial]

I dont know about "is it worth the money to upgrade to XP"...but it is worth the money to upgrade to a MAC!
:p

 

[kfoster]

BigLou:

A good place to look for information (and it's free) is www.microsoft.com, then in the upper right hand corner put your mouse on 'support' and select 'knowledge base'. You can search for specific errors & problems there. This is a service that Microsoft used to charge for and is now available on the web for free. I use it all the time both personally and professionally.

-K

ps: Don't listen to the MAC guy. Stick with real computers. ;)

 

[XRpredator]

Ivan, I hope Lou calls you! I talked to him a while ago, and while it's cool to talk to a fellow DRNer (the first and only one I've had a voice conversation with, and a very cool guy besides!), the compuspodely leading the compuspodely just doesn't work! :confused:

I'm sure someone with your expertise can get him fixed up. I love Outlook Express, but I'll be dipped in boiling owl-you-know-what if I can figure out how the heck it happened! :scream:

Some accidents are a good thing!

 

[trivial]

oh...it's on!

:moon:

 

[biglou]

Ivan-I just might call you. Trust me when I say that I THINK I am pretty darn familiar with how it's supposed to work, cuz I've been to the microsoft help site and many others. I step right through all the instructions but I'll be dipped in boiling owl you-know-what if I can get it to work!

Trivial-I been doing some reading about that!;)

 

[trivial]

you gotta admit that the new iMac is pretty sweet...especially with the Superdrive (burn DVD's)
If you havent seen one, check out apple.com

As for me...I am pretty content with my G4 powerbook.:cool:

 

[CR Swade]

Lou, I had the same problem w/ mine, only I wanted to use Outlook (w/ meeting and calendar functions) instead of Outlook Express. My lovely bride handles a great deal of DFA's (the Got Milk people) computer support problems and can walk you through it. Let me know if you need help.

 

[dave186]

Its been a while since i used OE with hotmail, but you dont use pop3 or smtp, when you add an account it has an option for hotmail somewhere. I think XP was worth the cost, compared to previous versions of windows. Its very similar to 2000, but the home edition does have a lot of user friendly type features. I havent had much trouble with compatibility, and it really does make a lot of things easy for the "compuspode" crowd. Things like the built in scanner and camera wizard (didnt have to install any software for my scanner and it works great). pretty much, if its USB it will work. XP is more stable because its based on the NT kernel, and it was written for servers and stuff, so it doesnt crash as much, and when it does it doesnt take the whole system down with it usually just the program thats at fault.

 

[dtsviper]

Okay, This thread reminded me of the comic skit done by the Canadian group, Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie. The skit was called "Welcome to the Internet Help Desk."

If you have never heard it, proceed to the following link. When you get there, look down about 5 tracks and pick lo-fi or hi-fi play. Sit back and enjoy...

http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/37/three_dead_trolls_in_a_bag.html

ROFL :eek:

 

[Okiewan]

Before suggesting XP, what are the specs of your machine?
XP is FAR superior to "ME", win98, etc. "ME" being the worst version I can recall, short of "Bob".

 

[dtsviper]

Your Hotmail homepage on the internet should have instructions for setting up delivery under Outlook and Outlook Express. Try looking there...

 

[dtsviper]

Okay, so the hotmail homepage is clueless about Outlook Express! :confused:

So, I checked Knowledgebase and they have this article on setting up Outlook Express to use Hotmail. If you have already looked at this, my apologies...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q220852

Note that it says if you don't have "HTTP" as a choice for incoming mail server, it won't work with Hotmail!!!!! So, your Outlook Express MUST be at least the 2000 version. There is a link to get a newer version if that is the case.

If you already have all of this configured and it still doesn't work, make sure it is getting your correct login information (not sure if it is case sensitive). If that doesn't work, uhm, yeah... :uh:

 

[biglou]

Originally posted by Okiewan
Before suggesting XP, what are the specs of your machine?
XP is FAR superior to "ME", win98, etc. "ME" being the worst version I can recall, short of "Bob".

Is this what you mean? My PC info: Compaq 5000 (I think, I know it's a 500x), WinME OS, Celeron 800mHz processor, 40 Ghz HD.

If it's something more than that, I'll have to break out the (gasp) owner's manual when I get home. I do remember confirming that it is a model 5000, however.

One last note-My webmail is an MSN address. Does this qualify as "Hotmail"? I've heard that "hotmail" email accts are POP3 accts. I apologize for being so confused (and confusing).

 

[biglou]

Don't mind that rhythmic, banging noise you hear.

 

[Danman]

It sounds like you might get all the help you need with OE problem.

As for the upgrade. I think that Okie would like to know how much RAM you have (the more the better). XP is a resource hog from what I now. I have not upgraded for that reason (still running PII 333Mhz). I don't think it runs very well or stable on a machine that does not have proper resources. Don't do it if you can't meet at least the listed minium requirements. I believe they are on there website. IMO much more resources are needed than the minimum req. to run the program smoothly. My win98 very is stable on my machine at home (all patches and drivers updated to the latest and greatest).


As far as an Apple. Don't listen Lou. Don't take that step toward the dark side. Don't go into the light. Stay away from the light. Its a trick and you will have to learn how to use it all over again.

 

[KWJams]

Word of warning!

Last fall I downloaded from MS the new "recommended security updates for Outlook Express 6 ----------- !
Now anything that comes as an attachment is blocked no matter how secure the source is!
---OE has removed access to this unsafe attachment!
Stock quotes from my company -- everything!
No un-install is available--I contacted MS Support--they say it is the PC manufactures problem.
PC manufacture says it is MS's software.
Uninstalled and reinstalled it and it is still there.
:whiner: :whiner: :whiner:
About ready to try Eudora!

 

[trivial]

Danman-
I was a Windows user for many years before making my switch to Mac 3 years ago. My first week on a Mac I was ready to toss it out the window...but after that I realized what I had been missing. Everthing is much easier on a Mac...I will never go back to windows. On top of that, windows at best is a generic, complicated, lame copy of the Mac OS.
I really dont want to get in a debate over it though (us Mac users are pretty defensive). I always ask people who are thinking about buying a Mac what they are going to do with it. If the answer is Email, surfing the web, and simple word processing...I say stick with a Wintel box and save yourself the money. However, if you plan on doing audio, video editing, graphic design, and other intensive operations...there is no SANE choice other than Mac.;)

For what it's worth

 

[MX-727]

I recently converted to 2K. I think it is the best, but it can take longer to get it set up. Once it is up and running, it is much more stable than the W95/98/ME/XP series. I'm not impressed with the Microsoft's registration requirements with XP either.