OLEXP: Outlook Express 5.5 Quits When You Switch Identities (271741)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q271741
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

SYMPTOMS

When you switch identities while you are sending and receiving messages, Outlook Express 5.5 quits. This does not occur when you work offline.

If you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, the Msimn.exe file is listed as "not responding" in the Close Program dialog box.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when you:
  • Upgrade to Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express 5.5.

    -and-

  • Install a version of the MSN, The Microsoft Network, Messenger Service earlier than Messenger Service 3.0.
NOTE: The MSN Messenger Service software was included with the default installation of Internet Explorer 5.5 in the initial release to the Web.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, do one of the following:
  • If you do not use the MSN Messenger Service, remove the program. To do this:
    1. Click Start, click Settings, and then click Control Panel.
    2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
    3. Click the Uninstall/Install tab, click MSN Instant Messenger, and then click Add/Remove.
  • If you want to use the MSN Messenger Service, install the latest version of the MSN Messenger Service from the following MSN Web site:

    http://messenger.msn.com

  • If you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, the Msimn.exe file is listed as "not responding" in the Close Program dialog box, click the Msimn.exe file, click End Task, and then restart Outlook Express to send and receive mail.

MORE INFORMATION

This is an unconfirmed problem reported by customers.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/28/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB271741
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.