Lately everytime i open Outlook express my vpn closes, does anone have any idea why this is?

what smtp server do you have set in outlook?

if I remember correctly
you should set it to the UMR one, or it won't send mail because it can't connect. I don't know why but perhaps your computer is disconnecting from vpn to try and reach the correct mail servers.

just a guess

Are you using the VPN just for e-mail? To get your mail off-campus you need to set your security to SSL (Secure Connection) to get your e-mail from off-campus. No security is needed for the smtp settings. This may or may not have anything to do with your problems but I know a few people who didn't know this and complained about having to VPN to campus everytime they wanted to get their e-mail.

smtp.umr.edu is the stmp
minermail.umr.edu is the IMAP

You might look in yout OE tool>options>connection> and set it to use whatever is available, not always use. The terms might be a bit different in SP2?