InBox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Q. When Outlook Express tries to send Sharon's mail it fails every time. She has two email accounts - Hotmail and Xtra. The Xtra account seems to check the mail then dies on sending, but the Hotmail account doesn't even check.

A. If the default OE SMTP (Send Mail To Point or Send Mail) server is incorrect all accounts will fail, Sharon. In OE/Tools/Accounts/Mail highlight the Xtra mail account and select Properties/Servers. The POP server (mail receiving server) should read: pop3.xtra.co.nz and the one that is probably wrong is the SMTP (Send Mail) server, which should be: smtp.xtra.co.nz. As for Hotmail, I think you'll find both will function once your Xtra settings stop jamming the works.

Q. Stu has been notified by email of a lucrative Nigerian deal (yes, that rings alarm bells). What can I lose, he asks?

A. Everything, Stu - thousands in advance fees and air tickets. Initially, things go without a hitch until problems occur - funds are urgently needed or you'll lose all chance of receiving the fortune you've been dreaming of spending. You head over to confirm the situation and the intimidation starts. You'll then have no choice but to pay.

ScamBusters has information that will protect your savings and maybe your life.

Q. Paul's McAfee Antivirus spits the end of the trial period message up, yet by pressing Cancel it still seems to scan for viruses.

A. McAfee is not being updated to look for the latest viruses and you are therefore at risk, Paul. Either purchase McAfee or change to a free one such as Grisoft's AVG Antivirus or Antivir.

Q. More on John's rogue dialler problem from last week - Paul has recommended Spybot Search & Destroy. He says it is very similar to Adaware, but also looks for these rogue diallers and removes them at the press of a button.


* Email us your question about the internet