Just today I am unable to connect to my SMTP server to send email. POP works
fine. The server works if I access it through my ISP's webmail service.

Here's what happened: I had to take my system apart a couple days ago
(carpet installed) and, when I reconnected everything today, the first thing
that happened was AVG antivirus downloaded a HUGE update. I then went to send
an email and got the message:
An unknown error has occurred. Account: 'chrisnsue', Server:
'smtp.west.cox.net', Protocol: SMTP, Server Response: '554
fed1rmimpo02.cox.net bizsmtp connection refused from 68.5.17.118', Port: 25,
Secure(SSL): No, Server Error: 554, Error Number: 0x800CCC6F

Here's what I've tried: Doublechecked all my account names are accurate and
have the right server names entered. Uninstalled and reinstalled AVG, this
time without the email scanner. Turned firewall off. Uninstalled and
reinstalled OE6. Turned firewall back on. Nothing changes. The error comes
IMMEDIATELY on clicking "send," so it's not like I'm having trouble finding
the server.

Google and microsoft.com have been no help whatsoever. This error code is so
ambiguous that I haven't found any useful articles anywhere. Any ideas?