bmcmo,

Make sure Outlook client is using an email address, even if you are POPing gmail or hotmail. If you do not have an account configured in your Outlook then you will not be able to send or receive emails.

If you do have an email account then try the followingWindows XP:

• Click Start.
• Click Run.
• Enter the following in the Run dialog box (with quotations):
  "c:\program files\microsoft office\office11\Outlook.exe" /Commandswitch
• Click OK.

/checkclient Prompts to make Outlook the default application for email, news, and contacts.
Hope this helps