How to fix
Windows Live Mail Error Code 0x800CCC90
on Windows

Hi guys. For some reason, the messages in my Live Mail account don’t get sent out. The all accumulate in the Outbox and stays there for a week or more. I keep receiving a pop-up message that Windows Live Mail is unable to send or receive messages for the particular email address account. The server error 0x800CCC90 is mentioned. This happens with all email addresses that I try to contact to. What should I do?

Windows Live Mail is the latest free desktop email app developed and owned by Microsoft. Earlier, the app was known as Outlook. Windows Live Mail is used by millions of mail users and praised for being clear and simple. For now, it comes as a part of Windows Essentials suite along with Live Write, MovieMaker, OneDrive, and Photo Gallery apps.  Although this email app does not stand among the most problematic Windows apps, it causes some minor inconveniences to people from time to time. Recently, we stumbled upon several reports where people express their frustration regarding Windows Live Mail Error 0x800CCC90. The full error message reads as follows:

Unable to send or receive messages for the *** Email address is removed for privacy *** account. An incorrect password was entered. The next time you send or receive messages, you'll be asked to enter your user name and password for this account.

Server Error: 0x800CCC90
Server Response: -ERR Auth-Status: Invalid login or password
Server: 'pop.rcn.com'
Windows Live Mail Error ID: 0x800CCC92
Protocol: POP3
Port: 110
Secure(SSL): No
Server Error: 0x800CCC90  Server Response: -ERR Auth-Status: Invalid login or password

If this message shows up on the screen, it means that none of the email messages from a malfunctioning WLM account are sent to the recipients. They are sent to the Outbox folder and left there for an unspecified period of time. According to people’s reports, the 0x800CCC90 error may be triggered by Avast or another third-party anti-virus. Besides, the corrupted data within the WLM app or the outdated app itself may be the culprit of the server error 0x800CCC90. To fix that, please try the following steps:

Fixing Windows Live Mail Error 0x800CCC90

Method 1. Disable your anti-virus temporarily

If you have Avast or another third-party antivirus installed, we would recommend disabling or uninstalling it temporarily and then checking if Windows Live Mail keeps malfunctioning. If this method helped to fix 0x800CCC90 error, make sure to delete the culprit completely and install another reputable anti-malware.

Method 2. Repair Windows Live Mail

Windows 10 / 8

• Right-click on "Windows key" and select "Control Panel."
• Open "Programs and Features" and locate "Windows Essentials."
• Click it and select "Uninstall/Change."
• Select "Repair all Windows Essentials programs."

Windows Vista / 7

• Click "Start" and select "Control Panel."
• Open "Programs" and select "Programs and Features."
• Look for "Windows Essentials 2012" and click it.
• Select "Uninstall/Change" and click "Repair all Windows Essentials programs."

Windows XP

• Click "Start" menu and open "Control Panel."
• Select "Add or Remove Programs' and look for "Windows Live Essentials."
• Click "Change/Remove" and select "Repair."
• Finally, click "Continue."

Method 3. Re-install Windows Live Essentials

Download the latest Windows Live Essentials version from the official Microsoft’s website here, run its installer and follow the on-screen instructions.