Outlook 2003 SP1 cannot connect to POP servers (spyware)

[ame540]

I have a workstation that im trying to repair. (XP pro) Outlook 2003 SP1 cannot send and recieve mail and i am postive the settings (login/pass/servers) are correct. The problem appears to be spyware since a new homepage showed up and there are multiple popups when browsing. Computer still has internet access and can browse.

Has anyone come across an issue where spyware causes outlook to not be able to connect to POP / SMTP servers? Im stumped.

Tried:
System restore (hah)
Installing all missing windows updates
Running Adaware SE

Any suggestions would be great because im going to have to reimage this computer if i cant figure it out.

Thanks!

 

[SjrH]

Could it be possible that during the windows updates, XP SP2 was installed and now the firewall is blocking outlook?
I've known this to happen before!

You might also want to try running hijack this to see whats going on regarding the spyware, be careful with it tho, its a powerful tool! I'd recommend checking out the virus/spyware forum too.

 

[ame540]

What may be a contributing part of the problem was that the end-user (or someone) disabled automatic updates, so its still on SP1. I checked the firewall and it is disabled.

im at a loss so i think im gonna reimage this thing. Thats why we have userdata backups. Its almost LESS of a hassle to just reinstall XP then try to pick up the pieces after spyware infects a workstation IMO.

-Aaron