PSS ID Number: 198131
Article Last Modified on 9/30/2003
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Outlook 2000
This article was previously published under Q198131
SYMPTOMS
When you try to check for new mail in Microsoft Outlook, you receive the following error message:
CAUSE
The Microsoft Windows password list file is damaged.
RESOLUTION
Rebuild the Windows password list file.
MORE INFORMATION
Outlook stores mail server passwords in the Windows password list file. When Outlook checks for new mail, it must reference this password list file. The name of the password list file is generated from the name used as the Windows Logon ID, for example <Username>.pwl.
To rebuild the password list file, follow these steps:
IMPORTANT: Before you rename the *.pwl file you need to know all passwords which include, but are not limited to, Internet Connection password, mail server passwords and any .pst file passwords.
- On the Windows taskbar, click Start, point to Find, and then click Files Or Folders.
- In the Named box, type *.pwl, and then click Find Now.
- Right-click the file titled <username>.pwl, and click Rename on the shortcut menu.
- Rename the file to <username>.old, and then press ENTER.
NOTE: If you are using a personal certificate, you should export it before renaming your .pwl file. If you do not do so, it may be unavailable when you send e-mail.For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:190296 Unable to Use Personal Certificates in Outlook Express
- Restart Windows.
When prompted for a name and password, you must type a name. This name may be your Logon ID and may also be used as a name for your new password list file. Entering a password is optional. Leaving the password blank may create what is called a null password. If you use the null password, Windows may not prompt you for a password again. If you do not want to type a password, click OK. Do not click CANCEL. If you click CANCEL, your passwords are not retained, even if you select the option to remember passwords.
The first time you run a program that stores a password in the password list file, you may be prompted for a password. If you tell the program to remember the password, it may be stored in the newly created password list file.
REFERENCES
For additional information, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
154092 Err Msg: MPREXE Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Kernel32.dll
182106 OL2000: Windows 95 Service Pack 1 and Password Issues
Additional query words: IPF corrupt gray grayed out dialup dial-up networking DUN OL2K
Keywords: kberrmsg kbprb KB198131
Technology: kbOutlook2000Search kbOutlookSearch kbZNotKeyword3
