The meaning of error code 0x800ccc0e in Microsoft Outlook is that you are on the Web via MSN and trying to send a message utilizing an email address other than your MSN email. Sometimes the error will appear this way:
“The connection to the server has failed. Account: ‘<account name>’, Server: ‘<SMTP server name>’, Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, Secure (SSL): No, Socket Error: 10051, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E”.
Why the Error Message Appears
It occurs because MSN does not permit messages to be relayed to another SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server when you are on the network.
How to Fix the Error Code
Once you understand the meaning of error code 0x800CCC0E, you can start to fix the problem. To resolve the problem, change the SMTP server for the email account to utilize the MSN SMTP server. First, open Outlook Express. Go to the Tools menu and click Accounts. Go to the Mail tab. Choose the account you want to alter. Click its properties.
Click the Server tab. Go to Server Information and delete the entry at the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) box. Type in: smtp.email.msn.com. Go to Outgoing Mail Server. Click the “My server requires authentication” check box.
The next step is to go to the Settings. Go to Logon Information and click on “Log on using”. Type your MSN Member ID at the Account name. That is, everything after the @ sign. Enter your password too.
Put a check on “Log on using Secure Password Authentication”. Press the OK button to exit the Outgoing Mail Server dialog box. Click OK again.
Application
This technique is applicable to Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5, Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 Service Pack 1, Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 Service Pack 1, Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0 and Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 Service Pack 2.
Other Possible Causes and Solutions
Sometimes the error is caused by an anti virus program or anti-spam software. Try turning off the email scanning feature as you send email.
Aside from the error code that appears, an anti-virus software can also slow downloading of email. This becomes obvious when downloading email with a large attachment. If the problem persists, try replacing your anti-virus program.
Unless you know the meaning of error code 0x800ccc0e, seeing this pop up on the screen may cause panic and confusion. But now that you know its meaning, you can apply the solutions as indicated above. One of those methods will likely fix the problem.
