Do you have a virus scanner that integrates with Outlook or does some other
mail protocol scanning? Disable this integration and try again.

Also, in account settings press More Options and on the Outgoing Server tab
see if setting it to use authentication makes any difference.

--
Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more

http://www.msoutlook.info/
Real World Questions, Real World Answers

-----

"Alexx" wrote in message
...
My laptop will not send outbound messages from any email program. I use
Outlook 2003 for my email because of the functionality. But, I get an
error
message saying the smtp server failed or is refusing smtp connections. I
have contacted my ISP and verified all the correct settings. I believe
this
to be a software issue. I'm using a DEL Inspiron, Windows XP upgraded to
Vista. Any suggestions?