How to Configure Outlook Express for Windows XP

The Windows XP operating system includes Outlook Express, a full-featured email client that allows you to send and receive POP3 email and access certain webmail accounts without using a web browser. Configure Outlook Express using the server information, user name, and password for your email account.

Things You'll Need

• Email account with user name, password, and incoming/outgoing server addresses

Instructions

1. Open Outlook Express. Click "Tools," then click "Accounts."

2. Click "Add," then click "Mail." Type your name into the window that follows. Note that this information is not used with your email server. Rather, it is the name that appears on the emails that you send. Enter your name or nickname as you want others to see it when you send them an email. Click "Next."

3. Click the button labeled "I already have an e-mail address that I'd like to use." In the box below, type your full email address. Click "Next."

4. Use the drop-down menu in the next screen to select your email server type. In most cases, you should select "POP3." However, if you are using a webmail service, you should select "HTTP." Not all webmail services are compatible with email programs such as Outlook Express. Check with your webmail provider to confirm.

5. Enter your incoming and outgoing server addresses. If your email account is "[e-mail]," the server addresses are likely to be "pop3.sample.com" and "smtp.sample.com." However, "mail.sample.com" may also be used. This information should be given by your email provider when your account is first set up. After entering the incoming and outgoing email servers, click "Next."

6. Enter your account name and password. Depending on your email provider, your address may need to be entered as "[e-mail]" or simply "email." This information is given to you when your account is first set up. Click the box labeled "Remember password" so you will not have to type your password every time you view your email. Click the box labeled "Log on using Secure Password Authentication" if this is required by your email provider, and click "Next," then "Finish."

7. Click on your email account, then click "Properties" if your email provider requires you to use authentication to send emails (many providers do require this). Click the box labeled "My server requires authentication," then click "OK." Your email account is now ready to use.

References

• How to Set Up Outlook Express