Cannot create an HTTP or Hotmail account in Outlook Express (241841)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5 for Windows
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.01 for Windows
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 6 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q241841
For information about the differences between Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook e-mail clients, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

257824 OL2000: Differences Between Outlook and Outlook Express

Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Internet Connection Wizard in Outlook Express, you may be unable to create a new HTTP or Hotmail account. The I'd like to sign up for a new account from: Hotmail option may be missing, or you may not be able to choose an HTTP server as the incoming e-mail server type from the list in the E-mail Server names dialog box.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the HTTP mail setting is disabled in the registry.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
  2. Locate the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express

  3. In the right pane, right-click HTTP Mail Enabled, and then click Modify.

    Note If the HTTP Mail Enabled entry does not exist, create it as a DWORD value.
  4. Change the data value from 0 to 1, and then click OK.
  5. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart Outlook Express.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/1/2006
Keywords:kbenv kbprb KB241841
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