NNTP server not responding.

I posted this question to the Other software board but did not get a response.  Hopefully someone here can help.

Dimension 8300 with Win XP Home Edition.  I use Outlook Express as a newsreader for Usenet newsgroups.  Earthlink is the ISP.  Recently I have been unable to connect to their news server and receive the following error message.

"Your NNTP server has not responded in 60 seconds.  Would you like to wait another 60 seconds to see if it responds."

I do, it doesn't.  The code at the bottom of the details box is usually 800ccc15.  The 800ccc code has something to do with VNP servers, according to the MS Knowledge Base.  I have removed the account and made new ones, I have downloaded three other free newsgroup addresses with the same error in Outlook Express.

I have downloaded Forte and it works fine.  Not really wild about the way it displays but at least I can read my group. 

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Des, the Elder.