Can't send email

Question

I am able to receive but not send email using Windows Mail in the factory-installed Vista operating system on a Dell Dimension C521. I have one message at the top of my Outbox that says:

"Message could not be displayed

Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try again."

Email worked fine for about a month after I received the computer.

I have called my ISP (Time Warner Road Runner) and Microsoft. Neither was able to detect the problem. Before I enter the black hole that is Dell service, I hoped that someone reading this would have a solution ... or least the hint of a solution.

MoneyGuyBK · Answer

I have the same problem already.   my PC came with trial version of office and XP MCE I have already installed Office 2007, but I am waiting to install Vista.   However, I have encountered the same problem when sending mail. I can send and receive only after either shutting Outlook all together and restarting it... or sometimes (not always) by switching away from my inbox to a different folder like trash can (any other folder works)... when I go back into my inbox, it quickly repopulates with new email.   clicking the send/receive does not work.. I have even set Outlook to check automatically for new email every 1 minute.  but after being away from the PC with my Outlook open in Inbox folder, no new email has downloaded, that is until I switch away from the Inbox folder and going back into Inbox again (or shutting Outlook and restarting)   I have no idea what gives and Dell Support has not been able to figure it out either.  I have not yet contacted MS Support.   anyone has ideas, please share... Thanx   Peace

Readian · Answer

I am havingthe same problem - only by temporarily disabling McFee or whatever it is called could I get my outbox messages on their way.

penguinspenguin · Answer

Ahh, you may all want to disable McAfee redirector service from MSConfig.

MoneyGuyBK · Answer

i'm using Trend Micro PC-Cillin and msconfig did not help   Peace

ojmasters · Answer

Are you talking about Windows MS Outlook or Express? Not sure what Windows Mail is.

penguinspenguin · Answer

Windows Mail is the replacement for Outlook Express that ships with Vista   Ok, as for that stuck email, the only solution I know is to export your account and mail messages, delete the Windows Mail store folder, and reimport everything.   Once you get it figured out, should only take 5 mins, let me know if you run into any problems.

Barb12 · Answer

Thanks for your info.  I am new at this and don't understand how to do the things you said to do.  Do you think I should call Dell and have them walk me through this?

ojmasters · Answer

I'm not at my Vista computer but I'll post something when I get home tonight if I need to. You might try to send a message to penguinspenguins and ask for a blow by blow on how to do what he/she said...the export/delete MS Mail account thing. Sorry...I'm familiar with MS Outlook and Express...I'm assuming it's the same with Vista/MS Mail but I don't want to steer you wrong.

BUT if you dont' feel comfortable doing this yourself with help from posts here by all means call or chat with a Dell rep. Later...

ojmasters · Answer

I am not using Windows Mail. I'm using MS Office 2007, MS Outlook and it works with my Vista Home Preminum. So, I don't know how to tell you to export your Personal File Folder or delete that Mail account storage folder. Do you have any Office Suite? Cuz I think most MS Office Suites will work with Vista. Then I would suggest install that and set up an account with MS Outlook. If you dont, call Dell or chat with them online or send a tech email request. I am so sorry I couldn't help you. Maybe someone esle can...:smileysad:

Barb12 · Answer

I hope this is where I respond to all of you who were trying to help me.  I appreciated your advice,  I ended up calling Dell and after a 3 hour session in which the tech. did some of the things all of you suggested, they solved the problem of not being able to send email by closing my account and starting up a brand new one.    Thank you for trying to help me.  Barb12

Windows General

Can't send email

Was this post helpful?