The error, 0×800CCC92, seen above, is quite confusing in the sense that it stems from a fault on Microsoft’s part. Of course, Microsoft isn’t the most reputable company around for releasing error-free software, but the 0×800CCC92 is unique in the way that it affects one program, and is caused by another.

The two programs at the root of the problem are Microsoft Exchange Server 2000 and Microsoft Outlook Express. The problem itself is caused when trying to retrieve mail from the server in Outlook Express. You will be faced with an error indicating an incorrect password or a fault with the login details. Of course, this is a red herring and has nothing to do with the real problem, which is actually a fault in Exchange Server.

Outlook Express and Exchange Server work in tandem, sharing functions and system resources.

You will receive the error at the top of the page when trying to access a POP email server, but we should point out that the error will vary if you are trying to use an Internet Messaging Protocol (IMAP). In this case, it will be shown as below:

Header download for the ‘Inbox’ folder did not complete. Could not download new messages from the IMAP server.

Account: ’storedriver3 (2)’

Server: ’storedriver3′

Protocol: IMAP

Server Response: ‘Unrecognized internal error: 0×800cce21′

Port: 143

Secure(SSL): No

Error Number: 0×800CCCD2

In either case, the source of the error is the collision between the two aforementioned programs. While it’s perfectly possible to uninstall Microsoft Exchange Server and fix the problem, such measures aren’t particularly desirable or indeed, necessary.

Microsoft has released a patch for Exchange Server which overwrites a key function and allows the two programs to work in tandem, without the inconvenience of the 0×800CCC92 error. It’s rare that you’ll receive the error at all since the more recent products have been fixed. But if you’re using older software, it’s still an issue.

The patch is included in Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Service Pack 2, and after installing, the error will disappear and allow full functionality of both applications. The Service Pack is free to download from the Microsoft website, although you will have to search through the archives to obtain the fix as it slowly becomes more obsolete with the arrival of Vista and a whole new generation of Microsoft apps.

Thankfully the new versions of Outlook Express and Exchange Server return no such error. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to keep up to date with all of the Service Packs that Microsoft releases for its existing products. Not only will they clear up existing errors like the 0×800CCC92, but they will patch up security weaknesses too. Visit the Microsoft website to obtain the latest Service Pack to get rid of the error, and you should find that its possible to retrieve your email without fault from both the POP and IMAP servers.

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