Hi, I have Outlook 2003 and have problems when trying to set it up. I think I may have done something wrong the first time I tried setting it up, I have since setup a new account in Outlook's wizard using all my current POP3 and SMTP server settings (I am not on a Microsoft Exchange Server). I have also set the new account as the default. All of the tests were successful during the setup phase. However when I start Outlook it comes up with this: WINDOW 1 "The connection to the Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable. Outlook must be online or connected to complete this action." I click OK. WINDOW 2 Its a little box that has a "Genreal" tab. There is a space for typing labeled "Microsoft Exchange Server" and underneath is my new POP3 server (pop3.nsw.exemail.com.au) There is also another box labeled "mailbox" with a typing box containing my first name and a "check name" option next to it. I click check name and a I get: "The name could not be resolved.The connection to the Microsoft Exhange server is unavailable. Outlook must be online or connected to complete this action". I click "OK" and then click "OK" on Window 2 and I get this final error: "Unable to open your default email folders. The file C:\Documents and settings\Todd\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\outlook.ost is not an offline folder file." I click "OK" and the application closes. HELP!

Right-click on your Outlook icon (not shortcut icon), Properties, Show Profiles. Create a new profile. Set Outlook to always use that profile. Then, delete the old one. Then, in the email accounts configure your email accounts and open Outlook. The problem should be resolved. Life's more painless for the brainless.

Thanks Jen. Issue resolved. I appreciate your quick response and advice. You're the best.

You're welcome, and thank you for the compliment and for posting that you fixed the issue. Life's more painless for the brainless.

Good Day. I am experiencing the same issues. I attempted your resolution with not success. Do you have further suggestions. After attempting to setup an outlook client to MS Exchange server, I get the following error msg: "The action could not be completed. Teh connection to the MS Exchange Server is unavailable. Outlook must be online or connected to complete this action". Please advise. Thanks,