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How can I see / change the smtp ports in use by FF 12.0 on my WIN2K antique?

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My webmail account works, though slowly, when I'm using NetScape 7.1. When I try to use the same program and service with FireFox 12.0, I can receive email, but sending email gets me an error message that's something like "Could not establish an SMTP commection with the server." The service tells me that my outgoing smtp port should be 465 if I'm using SSL, and 25 if I'm not using SSL. Also, if I'm asked about "authentication," it should be "the same as incoming." Where do I find these settings in FF12.0?

I'm asking this question on another computer, not the one I'm having trouble with. My problem child is an IBM Aptiva running Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195; Service Pack 4) Copyright 1981-1999 Microsoft Corp. Physical memory available to Windows: 64,824 KB

My webmail account works, though slowly, when I'm using NetScape 7.1. When I try to use the same program and service with FireFox 12.0, I can receive email, but sending email gets me an error message that's something like "Could not establish an SMTP commection with the server." The service tells me that my outgoing smtp port should be 465 if I'm using SSL, and 25 if I'm not using SSL. Also, if I'm asked about "authentication," it should be "the same as incoming." Where do I find these settings in FF12.0? I'm asking this question on another computer, not the one I'm having trouble with. My problem child is an IBM Aptiva running Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195; Service Pack 4) Copyright 1981-1999 Microsoft Corp. Physical memory available to Windows: 64,824 KB

Chosen solution

SMTP is not webmail. It's a protocol for sending e-mail, used by email clients like Thunderbird or Outlook Express.

Unlike the defunct Netscape, Firefox doesn't include an e-mail client. You can try the the Simple Mail add-on to add this feature to Firefox.

Normally, alternatives would be using Thunderbird as an e-mail client alongside Firefox, or using Seamonkey instead of Firefox. However, the latest versions don't work with Windows 2000.


You really should consider replacing that computer. The operating system and browser are insecure, and the same is likely true for the browser plug-ins and security software. The list of vulnerabilities fixed in Firefox since version 12.0 is quite long:

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (4)

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Chosen Solution

SMTP is not webmail. It's a protocol for sending e-mail, used by email clients like Thunderbird or Outlook Express.

Unlike the defunct Netscape, Firefox doesn't include an e-mail client. You can try the the Simple Mail add-on to add this feature to Firefox.

Normally, alternatives would be using Thunderbird as an e-mail client alongside Firefox, or using Seamonkey instead of Firefox. However, the latest versions don't work with Windows 2000.


You really should consider replacing that computer. The operating system and browser are insecure, and the same is likely true for the browser plug-ins and security software. The list of vulnerabilities fixed in Firefox since version 12.0 is quite long:

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Regarding G_Man's last comments:

There are some "aftermarket service packs" available to upgrade Windows 2000 SP4 to the level of WinXP SP3, so newer versions of Firefox (and probably other programs) work on 2000.

http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2482475&hilit=Windows+2000

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Gingerbread_Man, you were right on the nose with the answer to the problem. After I installed Simple Mail v. 2.83.2, my webmail began to work with Firefox v. 12.0. My s-l-o-w computer is now a bit faster, as well, though I don't know how that could have had any connection with Simple Mail. Oh, Telga, TechnalXS, the developer, changed versions to 2.84 while I was installing 2.83.2, so I started over and finished up with the new one. What had me going was that every time I tried to print a copy of their web site, Firefox crashed and burned. Had to be that document, because other things print just fine. Anyway, thanks for your help. I'm going to recommend that Santa put you on his "good list!"

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Thanks, Edmeister, I'll give that a try, as well. Can't hurt.