This is a known problem that I have been researching for over a year. Re-installing OE will not help. I am able to change the font using the font toolbar only - not through any right-clicking or choosiung fonr from any drop-down menu.

The only solution that I found was to create another Windows user. A new identity does not help.

On my computer, re-installing Windows did not help.

For over a year, I have been reporting that I was receiving an error 501 font permission denied. At that time, there were only two work-arounds. One was to use the font toolbar and the second was to create a new Windows user.

This morning I read a post with two suggested solutions. They were to change, under advanced options of IE, the following:-
Uncheck Show Friendly URL and uncheck USE HTTP 1.1.

Since I already had the Friendly URL unchecked, I proceeded to uncheck USE HTTP 1.1. I can now change fonts via right-click.
I even restored USE HTTP 1.1 to checked and OE still allows me to change fonts via right-click.

Go figure.

Reference: http://castlecops.com/postlite148110-.html

Well, how 'bout that! The fix shared by the contributor to Castlecops works just as described! I, also, then Re-set the box to checked, using both 'Apply' and 'OK', for "Use HTTP 1.1", and tested the right-click changing of font. It still worked, and no more error message 501 boxes. Thank you for posting this whole thread.

re: Error 501 font permission denied. I have tried unchecking "Use HTTP 1.1" and "Show friendly URL", but still unable to get past the Error 501 window. I have tried right-clicking on "font", but nothing happens. ???

Dave - the solution to the Problem 501 is to be found in the Outlook netframework settings. Goto Control Panel/Internet Settings/Security/Netframework settings and change the values back to default.

Some programs that are automatically downloaded mess with those setting having to do with Font and disable them. Resetting them to default fixes the problem. All this thanks to Vishnu Osham of MS help group in downtwon India somewhere.

Bob Price

Here's another possible solution to the "Error 501" font setting problem in Outlook Express.

From the Internet Explorer top menu click: Tools/Internet Options/Security Tab. Then, click the Custom Level button. From the list of settings under Miscellaneous, look for "Navigate sub frames across different domains." This item should be ENABLED. Change this setting for both the Internet and Trusted Sites' zones. When finished, ensure that the security levels for all Internet zones remain set at their default levels.

A simple IE setting change, but it worked for me, and hopefully, it may be of help to others in resolving their "Error 501" problem when trying to change fonts in Outlook Express.

BOB PRICE - thank you so much. Tried all the other suggestions here and yours the only one that worked for me.

Thanks to Grant for his solution for the "501' error. I have been trying for hours to get this fixed, your suggestion worked. Thanks so much.

My thanks, Brenda, for the thoughtful message. I'm glad that suggestion was of help to you.

And a BIG thank you must go to Dave for this site where we can share possible solutions to our computer problems.

thanks to Grant...his solution worked for me...FINALLY!!!

grants advice did the trick. thanks so much. its bugging me for a week. i think the problem occurred for me when i loaded ie7 and then because it sucks, unistalled back to ie6.
you the man!!!

Thanks, Dave!! I used Grant's suggestion for fixing the 501 font error in OE...I tried several fixes and nothing worked...but this did! Thanks to Grant! Ken in Hawaii

I didn't reinstall Outlook Express, but I tried all the other suggestions above and none worked for me. So I phoned HP Tech 'Paid for' tech support and did get a fix. For me, it was: Click on START, Control Panel, Internet Options, select "Accessibility" in the lower right corner. Then remove all checks from the four boxes, exit out and reboot the computer.

Donald Choice, San Diego CA 03/24/2007

ref the solution to correcting Error 501. I followed the instructions re tools/Internetoptions/Security and changing navigate to sub frames acrooss different domains. It worked. I really appreciate finding this information because I have spent over a week trying to find a solution. One thing though I do not quiet understand what you meant by "When finished, ensure that the security levels for all Internet zones remain set at their default levels.:. I took it to mean to return the Trusted Sige zones to the original selection (Disable). Please let me know if this is correct.

I had the same problem and a friend figured out the SIMPLE solution. Just start an email, then go to VIEW, then TOOLARS, click on that and make sure that FORMATTING BAR is checked.

The solution given by Grant on February 18, worked for me.

Cheers Grant.

I tried several of the above suggestions. They were either already implemented or had no effect. What worked is: IE/Tools/Internet Options/Program tab. The program listed for E-mail was Microsoft Office Outlook. I changed it to Outlook Express, Apply (this took several seconds), OK. No more error 501. BUT when as a check I returned the program to Microsoft Office Outlook, Error 501 did not return. Strange, but problem solved (unless it re-appears as mysteriously as it appeared the first time.) This is with IE6/XP Home/SP2. Some months ago I installed IE7 and then uninstalled it, but I don't know if that is when the error 501 started.

I tried everything above. Nothing worked.

Thanks Dave,
I had the 501 error also and Grant's trick solved the problem for me too. Many thanks.
Hawk

how can I scan a message from my lexmark printer
without going via od outlook express
Joe

thanks grant ur solution worked for me....

Thanks so much Grant yours is a real solution.
It worked for me perfectly well.

Eric

Dave, you recommended a FREE fix for Error:501.

After the SO CALLED fixe they scanned my PC and found over 2,000 errors. Of course they wanted $30.00 to fix the issue, (even though the Error:501 was fixed for FREE. Well guess what, I rejected the $30.00, rebooted my PC an to no suprise the Error:501 is still there.
This information that you are advertising is a SCAM.

Sorry the solution didn't work for you, Bob. I too am very skeptical of virus scanners that always seem to find a virus on your computer, even if you're already running aggressive anti-virus software.

Otra solución para este problema con windows media center aquí:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331331/es

Used the solution presented by Bob Price and it worked perfectly. Thanks Bob....and Vishnu Osham.

in reference to the 501 error in outlook express - thanks to bob price's suggestion -default the network frame settings .... i finally got it to work !
thank you again bob price

I followed your instructions and got rid of the error message, however, when I change font size it looks as thought it has taken until I type the first letter and it reverts back to the old font size. Thanks

Well, 6 years later and people still getting error 501. Pleased to say that Bob Price's solution to default the network frame settings still works.
Thanks Bob if you are still around :-)

Thank you Grant. Your solution also worked for me when the format font dropdown menu refused to display 'Font', 'Style' and 'Size'.
Thanks also to Linda whos solution automatically includes a font format bar when you start a new email.

Ah!!! Thank you, thank you! I used Grant's and Bob Price's suggestions, now works.

Not sure what happened, I think it was after I installed Office 2010 but continued to use the smaller, faster OE6.