Outlook 2003 Setup Failure

[Jason_247]

I recently bought a new PC, and needed to set up Outlook to connect to
my Hotmail account as I did on my old computer. The problem I am having
is that when I started Outlook for the first time, I let it run the
setup wizard, then entered some incorrect information pertaining to the
source of my e-mail. Now it seems to be "stuck" in configuration mode,
and is trying to connect to a Microsoft Exchange Server that does not
exist. It is prompting me for more information (server name and mailbox
name), and when I try to cancel I receive an error message, then the
program shuts down with no chance to start over.

This is very frustrating. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have already tried uninstalling and re-installing Office, but it
brought me back to the exact same point in Outlook.

J

 

[Susan Ramlet]

Could you post the error(s) you see? What is the new operating system? What
version of Office 2003? Did it come with your original PC, like an OEM copy?

 

[Jason_247]

Sorry - I left out some important details there.

I am running Windows Vista 64 Bit, and a copy of Office Professional
2003 provided by my university that I installed myself.

When I first open the program, a small window opens at the same time
which says: "Configuring OUtlook... Creating Welcome Message." Then
After several moments, I receive the following error message: "The
connection to the Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable. Outlook must
be online or connected to complete this action." I click "OK," and then
a new window pops up prompting me for general information about the
exchange server. Knowing that I made an error trying to define the
server in the first place, I select "Cancel" to close this window. Then
I receive the next error message: "Unable to open your default email
folders. The file
C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\outlook.ost is not an
offline folder file." After I "OK" this message, the program closes.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

Close down Outlook. Go to Control Panel->Mail Icon (if Vista 64 bit, enable
32 bit .cpl). Select Accounts. Remove the Exchange Account and install
your preferred (http, pop3, imap) account.

If you were using a legacy Hotmail account, you will need to install the
Outlook Connector to have full functionality for your Hotmail account in
Outlook.

--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact.
ALWAYS post your Outlook version.
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375


After furious head scratching, Jason_247 asked:

| I recently bought a new PC, and needed to set up Outlook to connect to
| my Hotmail account as I did on my old computer. The problem I am
| having is that when I started Outlook for the first time, I let it
| run the setup wizard, then entered some incorrect information
| pertaining to the source of my e-mail. Now it seems to be "stuck" in
| configuration mode, and is trying to connect to a Microsoft Exchange
| Server that does not exist. It is prompting me for more information
| (server name and mailbox name), and when I try to cancel I receive an
| error message, then the program shuts down with no chance to start
| over.
|
| This is very frustrating. Any suggestions would be greatly
| appreciated. I have already tried uninstalling and re-installing
| Office, but it brought me back to the exact same point in Outlook.
|
| J

 

[Jason_247]

That took care of the problem. Thank you very much.

J

;4382154']Close down Outlook. Go to Control Panel->Mail Icon (if Vista
64 bit, enable
32 bit .cpl). Select Accounts. Remove the Exchange Account and
install
your preferred (http, pop3, imap) account.

If you were using a legacy Hotmail account, you will need to install
the
Outlook Connector to have full functionality for your Hotmail account
in
Outlook.

--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact.
ALWAYS post your Outlook version.
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375


After furious head scratching, Jason_247 asked:

| I recently bought a new PC, and needed to set up Outlook to connect
to
| my Hotmail account as I did on my old computer. The problem I am
| having is that when I started Outlook for the first time, I let it
| run the setup wizard, then entered some incorrect information
| pertaining to the source of my e-mail. Now it seems to be "stuck" in
| configuration mode, and is trying to connect to a Microsoft Exchange
| Server that does not exist. It is prompting me for more information
| (server name and mailbox name), and when I try to cancel I receive
an
| error message, then the program shuts down with no chance to start
| over.
|
| This is very frustrating. Any suggestions would be greatly
| appreciated. I have already tried uninstalling and re-installing
| Office, but it brought me back to the exact same point in Outlook.
|
| J