vanman, I would suggest that you get the lastest IE5 which includes Outlook Express 5 and it is fast. October's COMPUTER BUYER gives a free CD on which you will find it.
In regard to verifying user and password being slow, this is usually a usage (how many people) problem, sometimes quick sometimes slow. One factor important to this is your modem. Nowadays, you should use a modem with a 56Kflex V90 capability - because your ISP does.
Try it. Good luck!
You can e-mail me if you have any problems.