OL97: Unable to Log On to Server Using Secure Password Authentication (255764)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 97
This article was previously published under Q255764

SYMPTOMS

When you try to connect to The Microsoft Network (MSN), you may receive the following error message:
Unable to logon to server using secure password authentication Components. Account: 'MSN Mail', Server: pop3.email.msn.com', Protocol: POP3, Server Response: '.', Port: 110, Secure (SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800CCC18

You may also receive the following error message when you attempt to connect to an MSN Premier Web page:
Access denied.
You can also reinstall Outlook from the Microsoft Download Center Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp?

CAUSE

The security provider .dll files may be damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem:
  • Find and delete the security provider .dll files.
  • Reinstall Internet Explorer.

How to Locate and Delete Security Provider .dll Files

  1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
  2. In the Named box, type msapsspc.dll, msnsspc.dll, and then click Find Now.
  3. In the list of found files, right-click each file, and then click Delete. Delete all instances of each file found.

How to Reinstall Internet Explorer

  1. Insert the Internet Explorer CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. Press and hold down the SHIFT key when you insert the Internet Explorer CD-ROM to prevent the CD-ROM Autorun from starting.
  2. Double-click the My Computer icon.
  3. Right-click the CD-ROM drive icon, and then click Explore.
  4. Double-click the IExx folder, where xx is the version of Internet Explorer.
  5. Double-click the IexSetup.exe file, and then follow the instructions on the screen to install Internet Explorer.
  6. When you receive the message that says the most recent versions of some or all items are already installed, click Reinstall All Components, and then click OK.
  7. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart.
You can also reinstall Internet Explorer from the Microsoft Download Center Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/ie

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/31/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB255764
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.