She may have installed a hide ip type program for security most likely. Which connects to a proxy server then that proxy server goes to web address's she wants and resends data to her. Might look in the Control Panel at 'Internet Options' 'Connections' LAN button and uncheck the proxy server. And/Or find and uninstall the hide ip proxy program she installed.

You didn't say what type of internet connection/ set up you have. If you have a router behind a modem, the router is losing it's IP address for some reason. A hard restart will reset the IP address, i.e., pull the power cord for a minute or two. If you have a wireless router, be sure it's not trying to connect on a neighbors router, which if not encrypted may be strong enough for the computer to see it, but too weak for it to piggyback on. A neighbor of mine has a Mac that wants nothing more than to hitch a ride on my Airport Express, which isn't encrypted, as all it does is stream music. This is fine, unless the dog knocks the Airport out of the wall outlet and then she loses her internet connection. I'd also really like to use it to boost my encrypted wireless range (on a PC), but my Airport is also smitten with the neighbor's Mac. Once my neighbor gets back from vacation, I have to end this computer tryst (the neighbor is 83 and only has a computer because her kids/grandkids insist she use email, only after multiple attempts at "fixing" her DNS errors -computer not found-, did the true cause dawn on me). The previous responses all assumed you have dialup. If you have DSL or cable internet service, you have a separate issue, although still a connection issue.

I agree with Pam, the issue seems to be with your ISP. Mine does that occasionally. Can we assume that you have sent and received emails with this set up in the past? You are getting no error message suggesting your setting are incorrect. I always leave my OE open but iconised on the task bar and have set it to look for mail every 5 minutes. Then if the ISP is having problems I can walk away and any outgoing mail will be sent once the problem has been resolved. If you wish to change the timing open OE click Tools then Options and the 'General' tab should be on view. Look 2/3 the way down and you will see where you can adjust the timing. Afterwards click Apply/OK

Thanks for all of the opinions. Nice to see that you are still checking up on me, Les. :) We miss you around here and I hope your job is going well. Well, it's against my decorating DNA to have a large black mirror over a black chest, so the server is the only option. If everything isn't all mixed up, I'm never comfortable in a room. Must be the result of a disfunctional childhood, lol. The server actually has two larger rectangular pieces of black and grey granite inset on the top of it. So, there is a bit of black to play off of. The lousy pic was beacause I snapped it for a post where someone was asking about 3.25" hardwood flooring. Jamies, I had the same reaction to the mirror as you did and just love things that are a *nod to* rather than a perfect replica. The dull finish next to the wood and granite is another plus regarding my affinity for mixing textures (thanks, Dilly). Funky, I expect you to have picked out a DR table by the time I have finally finished my room. :)