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GMAIL SMTP stopped working - Won't send at all.

  • 5 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1543 views
  • Last reply by SuMo Bot

SuMo Bot
SuMo Bot
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WIN7 Starlink Internet Latest version of Thunderbird


Thunderbird stopped being able to send all of a sudden through gmail. I can receive messages fine. I keep getting an error about timing out on SMTP server. All server settings are correct per gmail's outgoing server page. It was working for a few minutes last night after hours of messing around with this issue then stopped again. I've installed another client and it worked for about an hour then stopped being able to send as well.

Things I've done: Delete profile (kept messages) - setup email again Uninstalled and reinstalled TB Completely disabled antivirus Increased time out in TB settings

Settings: smtp.gmail.com port 587 (tried 465 as well) Connection security: SSL/TLS Authentication: OAuth2

Driving me nuts because this is for my business and have to send emails through the gmail webpage.

Thanks for any direction!

WIN7 Starlink Internet Latest version of Thunderbird Thunderbird stopped being able to send all of a sudden through gmail. I can receive messages fine. I keep getting an error about timing out on SMTP server. All server settings are correct per gmail's outgoing server page. It was working for a few minutes last night after hours of messing around with this issue then stopped again. I've installed another client and it worked for about an hour then stopped being able to send as well. Things I've done: Delete profile (kept messages) - setup email again Uninstalled and reinstalled TB Completely disabled antivirus Increased time out in TB settings Settings: smtp.gmail.com port 587 (tried 465 as well) Connection security: SSL/TLS Authentication: OAuth2 Driving me nuts because this is for my business and have to send emails through the gmail webpage. Thanks for any direction!

Chosen solution

The gmail outgoing server works on port 465, SSL/TLS, or 587, STARTTLS.

Timeouts are often due to antivirus. You must run Windows in safe mode to eliminate possible interference by AV ('disabling' isn't sufficient), or remove it temporarily. A VPN can also interfere, if you have one.

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All Replies (6)

SuMo Bot
SuMo Bot Question owner
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Error message is: The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtp.gmail.com timed out. Try again.

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

The gmail outgoing server works on port 465, SSL/TLS, or 587, STARTTLS.

Timeouts are often due to antivirus. You must run Windows in safe mode to eliminate possible interference by AV ('disabling' isn't sufficient), or remove it temporarily. A VPN can also interfere, if you have one.

SuMo Bot
SuMo Bot Question owner
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Thanks! It worked in safe mode so I'm thinking I'll check into Avast antivirus and see if there's anything that would block it. If not I could just uninstall and see if it clears up then I'll know for sure it's an AV issue.

I appreciate the help -at least I have some hope now. :-)

sfhowes
sfhowes
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Avast/AVG are well-known sources of trouble. Disabling Mail Shield might be sufficient:

https://support.avast.com/en-ca/article/antivirus-shield-settings/#pc

SuMo Bot
SuMo Bot Question owner
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Thank you very much!

SuMo Bot
SuMo Bot Question owner
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