strange problem sending emails

we are getting the following error message when sending emails (we are using OE 6 /Windows 98)
An unknown error has occurred. Protocol: SMTP, Port: 0, Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800C0131
messages are not sent until we exit OE completely (meaning exiting program and all emails that were open). then we get a message that there are unsent messages in outbox - do you want to send? we click yes and they go fine then. any ideas?

 

The usual cause of this error is a missing or damaged folders.dbx file. Either that or it is using a read only attribute.

Click Start > Find > Files or Folders
Search for folders.dbx in the C: drive.
Right-click the Folders.dbx file, and click Rename.
Rename it folders.old. Click OK.
Start Outlook Express again.

 

Thanks. but we tried that and exited OE and reentered but it's still giving me the same message. by the way there were about 5 folders.dbx files found. I changed all of them to .old

 

Not sure why 5 folders.dbx unless there are multiple identities being used.
In any case, renaming them all will not hurt anything.

Now do the process again:

1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type Sent Items.dbx.
3. In the Look In box, click your primary hard disk (usually drive C), and then click Find Now.
4. Right-click the Sent Items.dbx file, and then click Rename.
5. Type Sent Items.old, and then click OK.
6. Restart Outlook Express. This action automatically creates a new Sent Items.dbx file.

Finally, make sure that none of the .DBX files have been set to read-only.

If Outlook Express starts, you may not be able to gain access to some or all of your folders when you select them. In this case, the folders may have waiting mail messages highlighted in the folder list, but when you click the folder, the message area is blank. This behavior can occur if the attributes of any or all of the Outlook Express *.dbx mail files are set to read only.

 

You're right there are multiple identities. this latest fix seems to have worked to fix this. thanks so much!

 

You are very welcome.

And welcome to windowsBBS.com!