I fixed the problem!
When I called Microsoft support the lady said: sorry, too bad, can't help
you, you bought VISTA already downloaded on your new dell desktop so it's
dell's problem (unless you pay me an additional $59 fee for my support).
*^$%#@!!!
When I called Dell support: they connected me to this guy in New Delhi,
India, he had me install a program through which he could take over my
computer controls and fix the problem right in front of my eyes, while
answering any further questions I had on the phone. He fixed everything by
deleting out all my outlook files from the inside (way too complicated for me
to follow) and somehow cleaning out my POP3 server. He then replaced all my
inbox and sent items files (which he had thought to save earlier), and sent
me an email so that if ever I experience any other problem, I can hit reply
and he will call me back (and if he is out, his supervisor gets the message).
His supervisor also spoke to me to make sure I was getting good service! This
technician was THE most polite person on earth and spent almost a full hour
answering my questions and fixing everything. Now all works beautifully.
Moral of the story: this problem is complicated. I suggest you skip calling
microsoft and call whoever you bought your desktop from (assuming vista was
already installed).
Best of luck.
