Suddenly my Windows Live Mail will not allow me to send any email.  I can receive but not send.  My ISP (EarthLink) refuses to help and says it is all a Microsoft problem.  The error message I get is:

Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection. Possible causes for this include server problems, network problems, or a long period of inactivity.

Subject 'Test with Earthlink Rep Jackson W'
Server: 'smtpauth.earthlink.net'
Windows Live Mail Error ID: 0x800CCC0F
Protocol: SMTP
Port: 587
Secure(SSL): No
Socket Error: 10053

I have gone through the settings with EarthLink  pop3  SMTP Server Ports 587 etc;   All are deemed correct.  I have removed all the fire walls and the same message appears.  I have connected directly to the router by wire instead of WiFi and still not change. 

I have exported all my contacts and email from Windows Live Mail.  The next step is to uninstall and reinstall Windows Live Mail although the way to do this is unclear at best and truly byzantine. 

This started this AM when I reread a saved email on my hard disk.  It was saved as an email message.  I drafted a reply and since the screen showed I was in Windows Live Mail clicked on send.  It was not sent and since then I can not send any email from this account.

Help please.  Do I uninstall and reinstall?  What terrible things will this do?  Replies are welcome but requested in plain English.

Many thanks.