VMWare and Outlook "cannot connect to server"

I need help...I just got a new Imac 24in and have been attempting everything I can to move my windows XP Pro (with Office Pro) to it. I need Outlook badly and I have tried every single option, but have not managed to get Outlook to "connect to server".

I have installed VMWare, then a VM Windows XP Pro SP3, then Office12, all fine. I have access to the Internet, but when I launch Outlook the 1st time, I manually setup settings (all fine), but then when I finish, Outlook displays it "cannot connect to server". The following launches it just displays cannot connect message then shutsdown.

I have done many searches, changed from NAT to Bridge etc. etc. but the message keeps coming. I have also tried the same with a Windows 7 image, and also tried with Parallels (because it had worked on my wife's MBA v.A). I even tried Parallels Transporter Agent and Fusion Converter to copy my existing physical PC, but these crash after 2+ hours of conversion!

Please someone help. I am trying now on Bootcamp, but I want Unity or Coherence...I just need Windows for Outlook, Projects and Visio!