XV6900 email problems wm6.1

[wmnoobie]

I have xv6900 with official wm6.1, valhala, HHC
Problem:
Email has error message "messages cant be loaded to device can't connect check email settings"or sometimes ("cant connect with current connection settings"<- data does seem to work when i retry)
Tried:
Delete & Reset email acct (settings seem right and email works on my pc), Soft reset, turn off-remove battery-restart, download 6.1 hotfix for email, *228 option 2, Spoke to VZW Tech help.
Data is working - weather updates, IE works.
I have searched - haven't found a problem like mine - any help is appreciated.