Authentication Mechanism MUST be Entered

BJH70

New Member
My Windows Mail program suddenly stopped sending and receiving messages. The following error message popped up: "Account: 'Windows Mail', Server: 'pop3, Server Response: ERR An authentication mechanism MUST be entered,' Port: 110, Secure (SSL): No, Server Error: 0x800ccc90, Error Number: 0x800ccc18"

I have tried to trouble shoot settings. Everything appears to be correct per my internet provider. My operating system is Vista; I have been using Windows Mail for several years with no problem. Nothing has changed with my computer re: recent updates or new programs.

What is an "authentication mechanism" and how do I set/respond to the error issue? Any available help would be greatly appreciated! (FYI I'm not a computer techie-type so simple-minded (referring to me of course!!!) direction would be especially appreciated! Thank you!!!
 

My Computer

The problem could be with your mail provider. Wait until tomorrow, if it still does not work properly report back and we will go from there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
I'm not able to get (free) support from Microsoft because my Windows software was installed by Dell when I purchased this computer. My internet provider has verified the error is a software program issue. I'm still researching possible sources for getting to the bottom of my problem...with no "fix" yet. I'll restate the complete error message below. If you have any further ideas for how to trouble-shoot this issue, I would be very grateful!

Account: 'Windows Mail', Server: 'pop.charter.net', Protocol: pop3, Server Response: 'ERR An authentication mechanism MUST be entered', Port: 110, Secure (SSL): No, Server Error: 0x800CCC90, Error Number: 0x800CCC18
 

My Computer

Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Back
Top