Member Avatar for ggeoff

Hi

I do not know whether Outook, in this case 2007 running under Vista Home Premium, is the cause of this message. Email has worked, but now displays a Enter Network Password pop up. I would like to know whether this is a Microsoft Windows issue or one due to the email host's server?

Geoff

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Practical, step‑by‑step checks to pin down why Outlook keeps asking for a password, and what to try next.

Start by confirming the account itself accepts the password from a different client (webmail or a phone). If web sign‑in works, focus on the Windows/Outlook side: clear any saved mail credentials from Windows (Credential Manager / Stored User Names and Passwords), then restart and re‑enter the password in Outlook making sure the client’s “remember password” option is checked. Check for background tools that might erase credentials (cleanup utilities, parental‑control software, or roaming profile policies).

Next, rule out local corruption or extensions: run Outlook in safe mode (outlook.exe /safe) to see if an add‑in is triggering repeated prompts. If safe mode fixes it, disable add‑ins one at a time. If not, create a new mail profile (Control Panel → Mail → Show Profiles → Add) and test before removing the old profile or touching PST files. Do not delete any data files until you have a backup.

Also check these often‑overlooked causes: antivirus/firewall e‑mail scanning or SSL/TLS interception, a damaged PST/OST (run Inbox Repair/scanpst), and whether the mailbox provider has changed authentication (two‑step verification, app‑passwords, or a shift to modern/OAuth authentication that older Outlook builds do not support). If the account is on a corporate/Exchange server, an admin may have enforced policies that require reconfiguration.

Quick checklist (in order):

  • Verify login via webmail.
  • Clear Windows saved credentials and reboot.
  • Disable AV e‑mail scanning temporarily.
  • Run Outlook in safe mode (outlook.exe /safe).
  • Create a new mail profile and test.
  • Run Inbox Repair or Office Repair if needed.

Building on ’ hint about non‑client causes, try the above before deeper changes; for , a family PC cleanup utility or policy is a common, easy‑to‑miss culprit.

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Member Avatar for lolafuertes

Usually, when this happens, is because the connection to the server failed.
Depending on the type of account or connector there are several actions:
1) If the connetcor is an Outlook Hotmail Connector, is known that the very first connection to the server after a large period of inactivity can result in a message like you are experiencing, and also a Sync error would appear.

2) If the connector is an IMAP or POP, you can access to the account and verify the settings using the Test Account Settings. There is also the oportunity to verify all the other parameters to connect to the server (or servers), specially if the sender server is distinct than the receiver, and should have the same or distinc credentials.

3) An intermittent netwok problem or a very slow connection can also relay in the same behavior.

Hope this helps

Member Avatar for ggeoff

Thanks Lolafuertes

Its my daughter's PC so I'll need to explore your suggestions.

Geoff

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