OE receives but won't send mail

I've just identified and removed the 'w32.mytob' virus from my friend's computer with the Norton Anti-Virus on my computer with a network connection but now there is problem that seems to have been caused by that virus that I can't fix. Outlook Express (on my friend's computer) can receive mail but will not send. It tells me there's an error... protocol...blah blah. All is OK in protocol - my outgoing mail settings are OK. Seems like a registry problem. ( When I can't find a solution, blame the registry!)
Anybody have ideas on ways to resolve this?

 

You might want to try running the mytob removal and repair tool
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.mytob@mm.removal.tool.html

It sounds like your hosts file was not repaired and it is redirecting your outgoing mail .

You might also have to go (in OE) to tools/ accounts/ mail/ the account in question/properties/ servers
and recheck my server requires authentication and reenter your smtp server.

 

jaclaf--Is the Internet Explorer working OK?

 

Not there yet!

I had forgotten to say that I am running XP PRO with dialup connection.

I have deleted my account and put in a new one - no results
I have checked outgoin mail protocol authentification on or off - no rusults
I ran 'sfc /scannow to check integrity of Windows files - no results
I tried System Restore - no results
Yes, I did use the repair - removal tool from Norton for the w32.mysomething virus (lost the name right now) - tob I think
Yes, Internet Explorer is working fine.

I do not know if this problem was caused by the virus or was it caused by some updates from Windows - I've heard that some funny things can happen with these updates -but the problem was still there when I rolled back the computer.

Thanks for all advice!

 

Still trying!

Yes I tried renewing the connection to the ISP - no difference.
Since then, a lot of updates have been installed - among others, SP2 - didn't know it wasn't there. Still no difference.
I've removed Norton Anti-Virus and installed Zone Alarm. Still no change.

 

Although this more commonly applies to DSL and Cable it is worth asking.
Is this your primary email account with your ISP?
If not, it is probable that your ISP has blocked smtp forwarding. You must use their smtp server for all outgoing mail. This is supposedly to combat spam, not that it actually does much.

 

One happy 'poster'!

Thanks 'oshwyn5' senior member. You gave me the answer. I called my ISP server and sure enough they had cut my friend off from sending emails. I often call the server as a last resort since the waiting time on the phone is so long. They had seen the w32.mytob virus and cut him off. They said they had sent an email to advise but never saw it.
So, all is solved.
I aprreciate all who chipped in. Through all the answers, it helps to learn more about this crazy machine!

Thanks

 

Yes, increasingly ISPs will cut off a user who has an untreated virus until they confirm that they have dealt with it. Otherwise their servers get swamped. These viruses can transmit copies of themselves at thirty times a second in most cases. So not only was he sending thirty emails a second while online, but they were probably getting alerts from other ISPs back complaining about it.


Glad it all worked out.