Make sure you are using Pegasus Mail v4.70 then in the Security tab of the SMTP host configuration toggle the "Only use SSLv3" option to see if that solves the connection problem.

Also, in General tab of Tools > Internet Mail Options there is a setting to turn on internet session logging.  Turn that on then test.  The resulting log should identify the exact point of failure in the SMTP connection.  Read the help file about this logging.  It will tell you a little bit about the log and where to find it.  Do not post the entire content of a log because it contains an encoded version of your credentials that can easily be decoded.

Turn logging off when done testing.

As a former IncrediMail user I am completely lost; particularly with the fact that messages I have sent out are not automatically appearing in my SENT folder.  I am trying to keep tabs by moving messages, (copy to me) manually into the Sent Folder.  Would very much appreciate some assistance.  Also, I installed Mercury but frankly, haven't got a clue as to what I have done or ended up with except suddenly I seem to have created a new Ethernet connection, which I have had to disable. Perhaps  I should sign out, 'DISTRESSED SENIOR GOING INTO A DEMENTIA MELTDOWN.'

 In Tools > Options > Outgoing mail > Messages and replies the "On" radio button for "Copies to self" should selected.

 In Tools > Options > Outgoing mail > Copies to self ('outbox') you should set those options to your preference.

Good info the the help file on the copies to self functionality.  I would avoid using any copy-to-self filtering until you are very comfortable with Pegasus Mail and have done some rule based filtering and perhaps some auto-filtering.

In case you don't know, the Pegasus Mail manual is installed with the program as a file named MANUAL.PDF.  It contains similar info as the help file but the search capability of a pdf file makes it easier to find tidbits of info on a particular subject.  Of course, we're here too.

As for Mercury, it is a mail server whereas Pegasus Mail is a mail client.  Most people don't need Mercury.  If you provide a description of exactly what you need to accomplish we can offer advise accordingly.

Thanks Brian.  I am too used to being spoon-fed by Incredimail but I shall try your fix.  This now appears to be the least of my problems because I now cannot send messages, (though I appear to be receiving them).  Keep getting messages about that there is something wrong with my SMTP connection.  I messed around with it and even stripped out both of my email addresses and started again but to no avail. The message transmission will not go OUT and often I get a message re spell check.  I tried to turn that off.  Looks like I shall have to look at the PDF Manual.  In the meantime I have reignited a gmail address so I can get out. Cheers pal.