MS exchange server email account setup?

I am using Windows Vista on a HP laptop. I am trying to setup mail account in Outlook 2003 but as soon as I enter my user name and server name, outlook gives and error saying “OUTLOOK has to be online to verify the name”. Though Outlook is on, nothing happens. I tried to get some help on web and at one place I read that I need to be signed in on the network for making that work.

Well if it so, than why dint I required to do this in the past as I was using it comfortably since last 4 years by just starting Outlook and I needed to access our servers via an Verizon wireless card. Do you guys have any idea about this ? Can you please tell me if need to connect MS exchange server to make it work ?

Yes, you need to be connected with your MS Exchange server while setting up the account because Outlook uses your domain login credentials to get configured. Note, “While setting up the account” because once you setup everything, later you can access it Offline as well.

OK buddy, thanks for the same. I’ll do it when I reach office tomorrow and will let you know If I get any more problems.