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thunderbird will not authenticate otherwise working account settings

steveinservice
steveinservice
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I'm trying to set up a new account in Thunderbird. All the settings seem right (checked many times on 2 computers). Cannot get the account to get past the "test" (or Re-Test) stage. "Thunderbird failed to find the server settings". So it won't create the account.

On the Windows 10 PC, I CANNOT get the "Advanced Config" button to enable in spite of changing everything. (I did manage this ONCE on the XP machine, which was unexpected, and did allow the account to create, but now I can't even reproduce this!)

ONCE the account is created in Thunderbird, it works fine. The problem is getting the account to create at all.

I've also tried to create an IMAP version of my POP account - again, failed to find the server settings, but changing the settings on the existing account worked fine as it avoids the bloody verification stage, which DOESN'T!

The current workaround is to change an existing a little used account to do the job. Not ideal.

What I really need is a method of bypassing the account verification that works reliably.

Any insights gratefully received!

XP Thunderbird Version 45.8.0 Win 10 Thunderbird Version 52.1.1

I'm trying to set up a new account in Thunderbird. All the settings seem right (checked many times on 2 computers). Cannot get the account to get past the "test" (or Re-Test) stage. "Thunderbird failed to find the server settings". So it won't create the account. On the Windows 10 PC, I CANNOT get the "Advanced Config" button to enable in spite of changing everything. (I did manage this ONCE on the XP machine, which was unexpected, and did allow the account to create, but now I can't even reproduce this!) ONCE the account is created in Thunderbird, it works fine. The problem is getting the account to create at all. I've also tried to create an IMAP version of my POP account - again, failed to find the server settings, but changing the settings on the existing account worked fine as it avoids the bloody verification stage, which DOESN'T! The current workaround is to change an existing a little used account to do the job. Not ideal. What I really need is a method of bypassing the account verification that works reliably. Any insights gratefully received! XP Thunderbird Version 45.8.0 Win 10 Thunderbird Version 52.1.1

Chosen solution

Usually, when adding a new account for which TB is unlikely to find the settings, it's sufficient to click 'Manual config.' after entering the email address and password. Another way is to go Offline (File/Offline/Work Offline toggle) before adding the account (File/New/Existing Mail Account). Once the account is set up, go back Online to connect to the server.

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All Replies (2)

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Usually, when adding a new account for which TB is unlikely to find the settings, it's sufficient to click 'Manual config.' after entering the email address and password. Another way is to go Offline (File/Offline/Work Offline toggle) before adding the account (File/New/Existing Mail Account). Once the account is set up, go back Online to connect to the server.

steveinservice
steveinservice Question owner
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I like the sound of the "work offline" trick. I'll give that a try when I get round to sorting it out. Thanks for the suggestion.