What is "Error Number: 0x800CCC0E"?

Error Number: 0x800CCC0E occurs in the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems when there is a problem with Microsoft Outlook Express. The error is traditionally caused by a conflict with Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) servers while using one of the Microsoft Outlook Express programs to read or browse through your mail. The full text associated with the error may be: "The connection to the server has failed. Account: , Server: , Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, Secure (SSL): No, Socket Error: 10051, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E."


What causes this error?
The Error Number: 0x800CCC0E is triggered because of a built in behavior with Microsoft Outlook Express. While connected to the Internet using the MSN network, Outlook Express will not allow you to send messages to another Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server. Error Number: 0x800CCC0E is fairly easy to fix nonetheless.

How can I resolve this error?
In order to resolve this error, you will have to set your email's SMTP server to the MSN SMTP server. While it does not require computing skill to accomplish this task, be sure that you read all instructions on the screen for the best results. Typing in SMTP servers can be tricky business, so always double check what you type in, lest you mistakenly prevent your copy of Microsoft Outlook Express from accessing your mail.

First, navigate to the Accounts setting under the Tools menu. Press on the Mail tab and choose the account that you want to change. Press the button labeled Properties.

Press the Server tab and look for the Server Information section. Delete whatever is currently populating the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) text box and type in "smtp.email.msn.com" (without the quotations).

Look for the Outgoing Mail Server section. Select the check box labeled My Server Requires Authentication and press the Settings button. Look for the Login Information section and press the Log On Using button.

Type in your MSN Member ID in the Account Name text box. Your MSN Member ID should be your user name before the @ portion of your MSN email address. Type in your MSN Member password in the Password box and click on the check box labeled Log On Using Secure Password Authentication.

Close the Outgoing Mail Server box by pressing the OK button. Close the Properties box by pressing the OK button. Press Close to finish setting up your account.