Outlook Express and Bulletin Boards

[ccrn]

I did some searching so sorry if this has been covered before.

I am trying to join a bulletin board that requires a non annonymous email address. I always use a server based email so I have no experience with outlook at all. In fact I dont even like or want to use outlook.

My prob is Id like to at least figure out how to get an outlook email address so I can join this bulletin board, then I have the option to change to a server based email after I join.

I had my PC reformatted and it now has outlook 6 running ME. I uded to have an account before I reformatted but now I dont. The wizard wants me to select options Im not familiar with along with my ISP (I think). I have no idea how to do this (arggg)

Any ideas? Or can I find another way to join a site with annonymous email? Is it possible to uninstall outlook?

Thanks in advance for any help-

ccrn

[LiVeWiRe]

ccrn,

In my experience, a "non-anonymous" email address means that they don't want you to use something like a Hotmail or Yahoo account. If you have an email address through your internet service provider, then that should 'qualify'. For example, it would be johnsmith@verizon.net if you have service via Verizon.

HTH,
-LW

[ccrn]

Livewire

Thanks for your reply. I understand that they want me to use a PC based email address, of which I had before I reformatted. But when I updated to outlook6 after the reformat I somehow lost that email identity.

I tried under msn.com and microsoft.com but neither will work for whatever reason.

So my questions are how do I set it up using the wizard without using my ISP (in case I switch) or is there another way to get an email address that isnt annonymous like hotmail or yahoo yet is server based?

Also is it possible to uninstall outlook?

Also, why would a bulletin board require you to have a PC based address? I have joined bulletin boards that are very strict with there protocol s(ie military) yet do not have this requirement. Somehow it makes me cautious as in they could have access to my PC through outlook-

Thanks

[LiVeWiRe]

ccrn,

What was your email address before you reformatted?

You shouldn't have to use Outlook, especially since it sounds like you really don't want to use it. Your internet service provider should have a way for you to access email via the web.

Not sure where the idea originated that you need to use Outlook to set up the email address in order for it to be "non-anonymous"?

-LW

[ccrn]

I suppose thats what I'll do, just use my ISP. Even that seems intrusive to my privacy however even though the Admins of the board can log my IP.

So, is is possible to just uninstall outlook?

[LiVeWiRe]

Do you have Outlook Express or the Office version of Outlook?

-LW

[ccrn]

Its a proprietary DELL with ME and Outlook Express installed from the factory. After I reformated Outlook Express was upgraded to Outlook Express 6-

Thanks

[LiVeWiRe]

If it's still running Windows ME, is Outlook Express listed in the Add/Remove Programs?

If not, in Add/Remove Programs click on 'Add Remove Windows Components' and see if it is listed there.

-LW

[glc]

You don't have to uninstall Outlook Express - just don't configure a mail account in it and don't use it - and delete the shortcut icons if you want.

The requirement for a non-anonymous email address is for the board's protection against spam. If the board will allow you to switch to your Hotmail/Yahoo/whatever address after you are registered, that makes it very easy, just do it. Any reputable board will not misuse your address. Just make sure you have a way to receive mailings from the board, such as your ISP's webmail interface, because you will be required to respond to a mailing to get your registration activated and to submit the address change.

[ccrn]

glc

Thanks for the input. I contacted one of the admins of the site and was allowed to join without using outlook express.

The reason I would like to uninstall outloo express is because I consider it a security issue. I would like to get rid of it period and anything else that I dont need.

Is this possible?

I already have most of everything set to not open on start up-

thanks

[glc]

It's not a security issue if you don't configure it and don't use it.