Okay I've just checked and confirm that the import fails at the point where the external pop3 server is retaining emails (ie set not to delete for 14 says); ie it starts to transfer emails held on the pop3 server first, before falling over.

So three additional questions.

1. Should I delete all emails off the pop3 server first?
2. And/or turn off the internet connection before trying to import emails?
3. Should I call Microsoft as this is a brand new version of Office, only had it 2 days?

As an aside, as WLM (all versions) will not be supported beyond 2017, I suggest that MS get its act together. I did call their support line, they are totally confused they don't know the difference between Windows Live mail vs Live Mail, nor do they understand the difference between Office Outlook and Outlook Live!!!!!!!!!! So gave up.