If have found that if I switch to Windows firewall in lieu of BitDefender's, then Outlook has no trouble sending or recieving Pop mail.

BitDefender did not interfere with my Hotmail acct, only my Verizon.net acct.

I have been unable to create a rule in BitDefender that will allow me to recieve incoming POP mail.

Reckon I'd better contact BitDefender on this issue, as I pay good money for their product and generally speaking, I like it and wish to get the full benefit of the services it provides.