Some common reasons why Outlook will not shut down completely when you click either the X or Exit:

1. PDA synchronization software with your PDA in the cradle.
2. WinFax Pro (especially 10.02 in Outlook 2003) - contact their support for an alleged fix.
3. Franklin-Covey Plan Plus!
4. COM Add-ins.
5. Mail reminder add-ins that keep a stub of Outlook open in the background to check for new mail and fire reminders.
6. Anti-virus/firewall programs that are set to scan incoming and outgoing mail.
7. Some versions of Skype - check for updates.

--�
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. All
unsolicited mail sent to my personal account will be deleted without
reading.

After furious head scratching, ken asked:

| Even after Outlook is closed, it will frequently continue to download
| mail from the web server. As I have it configured to delete the
| messages from the web server when down loading them, this prevents me
| from receiving the messages on remote computers or BlackBerry. Is
| there a way to configure so that it won't check for mail after I've
| closed the program?