Outlook Express: won't retain mail passwords

[l7s4]

Client has oe on 1999 Gateways computer. It will not save the email pw. Neither from the login box or from the mail setting. This is oe v4.
In safe mode, it will show the *'s. When I reboot and check, instead of his 7 *'s, it only displays 4.
In normal mode, it allows me to enter the pw but after I apply and close, it disappears.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated. TIA, Paul