And I learned it the hard way. I am on dial-up. For those of you too young to remember dial-up, google it.

Before I check my email through Outlook, I go to my server's website and check my incoming messages by webmail. If somebody is sending me 7MB worth of "FW: Cute Doggie Pictures!" or "If you love our country forward this to 17 people in 5 minutes", I can delete the sucker before it clogs up my email.

I say the hard way, because my daughter was waiting for me to run to the computer and email her something, but when I opened Outlook, I had to wait TWENTY MINUTES while I received a stupid forward before my message to her would go out.

This doesn't help if I've already got Outlook open. I guess I could change some settings, or maybe go throw rocks through the windows of people that send me that stuff (they mean well). But it sure is frustrating. Probably one of you young whippersnappers will tell me there is an easier way around this....?

Is it Outlook Express or the full Outlook?

There are settings you can change so the emails aren't downloaded until you want to download it.
I use Thunderbird now but did use Outlook Express for a while and I still have it on my computer.

I'll see if I can find some links about both types & settings for you.

Hmm not having much luck finding details on the advanced settings..
in Thunderbird you go to the email account details and where it asks about downloading messages automatically you unclick that.
I think OE is similar. I forgot that I removed it from my computer last time I was cleaning up the hard drive..

But I did remember that there are programs to help with just this sort of problem..
I haven't used it but have heard good things about it by some that use it.

[MailWasher is a program to help you get rid of spam and viruses in your e-mail. MailWasher allows you to preview all aspects of your e-mail on the server before you download it to your computer, thus protecting you from spam, viruses, phishing attacks, and other nuisances.
You can then delete unwanted e-mail before it gets to you. Other features help identify and protect you against viruses and worms. Included are comprehensive antispam tools and many other features. Free version supports single e-mail account, and has no auto delete feature, recycle bin and no user support.]
http://download.cnet.com/MailWasher-...html?tag=mncol

and another with good user rating-

[Email Remover is an anti spam software that allows you to view your emails from POP3 server by showing you headers. You can remove them in seconds without downloading it if you receive unwanted mail like huge attachments or spam. The program has the following useful features: preview headers and entire message; save message and attachment; handle multiple accounts; launch external email program.

CNET Editor's Note: You need to visit the developer site to get the free key.]
http://download.cnet.com/Email-Remov...html?tag=mncol

Thank you for the suggestions...my brain is only hitting on three cylinders right now, but I'll come back to it. It's Outlook Express. I forgot, I had Outlook at work.

<Tools>
<Options>
General Tab
Uncheck send/receive at startup

To stop a download just close the program.

anytime you start something and go "doh - i want to stop that thing" you can control alt delete, click on task manager, click on the Applications tab, select the "doh" application, click on end task, and then x out of windows task manager. you might get a few more screens such as "program not responding" on which you click the end now button.

I did the same thing, when I had dial up..

I did change my outlook inbox not to receive mail right away, in case I wanted to send something first.