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Problem sending some emails

  • 5 replies
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  • Last reply by Jack

Jack
Jack
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I'm using Thunderbird 115 on Windows 11 on an HP Envy 13 Laptop. I have two Gmail accounts, a private account and a live.com (an earlier version of outlook.com). It is the live.com account that on a couple of occasions has stopped sending my created emails. I can't remember how it was fixed the previous time, but this time it has me stumped. I click on new message and create my message. When I click on send the whole screen goes white for a few seconds. The message reappears and attempts to send for some time and then gives the following message: The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtp.office365.com timed out.

However, the failed email is saved as a draft and I can send it from my mobile if I wish.

I note illustrations on https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/configuration-options-accounts# show links to the outgoing server. I thought there might be a problem with the outgoing settings, but that outgoing server link doesn't appear on my version of TB 115.

I have completed a series of diagnotic tests and clean ups on the laptop, but they have made no difference.

I'm using Thunderbird 115 on Windows 11 on an HP Envy 13 Laptop. I have two Gmail accounts, a private account and a live.com (an earlier version of outlook.com). It is the live.com account that on a couple of occasions has stopped sending my created emails. I can't remember how it was fixed the previous time, but this time it has me stumped. I click on ''new message'' and create my message. When I click on ''send'' the whole screen goes white for a few seconds. The message reappears and attempts to send for some time and then gives the following message: ''The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtp.office365.com timed out.'' However, the failed email is saved as a draft and I can send it from my mobile if I wish. I note illustrations on https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/configuration-options-accounts# show links to the outgoing server. I thought there might be a problem with the outgoing settings, but that outgoing server link doesn't appear on my version of TB 115. I have completed a series of diagnotic tests and clean ups on the laptop, but they have made no difference.

Chosen solution

Finally sought help from a professional. He played around for a while on my laptop. Not quite sure what he did but the problem is now fixed. (Maybe something to do with an undated server name which didn't filter down to my laptop.)

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All Replies (5)

Matt
Matt
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Jack said
I note illustrations on https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/configuration-options-accounts# show links to the outgoing server. I thought there might be a problem with the outgoing settings, but that outgoing server link doesn't appear on my version of TB 115.

I see it replaced with an edit SMTP server button in my V116, but you can always get to SMTP servers through the outgoing server (SMTP) entry in the list of accounts.

Where these guys at Microsoft are concerned, always check your Thunderbird settings against what they place in your account online. https://outlook.live.com/mail/0/options/mail/accounts

In my case for my 25 year old Hotmail (predates your live) account they are now advising the outgoing server to be.

Server name: smtp.office365.com Port: 587 Encryption method: STARTTLS

(I copied and pasted that, but it is not what I have in Thunderbird. It still shows smtp-mail.outlook.com so I guess the change to be relatively recent but I probably have not sent mail on that account since perhaps 2019, so it might not be a so recent a change.)

Jack
Jack Question owner
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Thanks Matt. The link to Microsoft was helpful and confirmed that both my IMAP and SMPT settings were correct. So that was not what was causing my problem - which remains a problem.

Medhasree Suram
Medhasree Suram
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Hey there! It sounds like you're facing a bit of a hiccup with your live.com email in Thunderbird. No worries, we'll get this sorted out! When you hit that send button and the screen goes white, it's likely the connection to the outgoing server is timing out. This could be due to a few things – maybe a temporary glitch or a setting that needs tweaking. To fix it, first, let's ensure your outgoing server settings are correct. Even if the link doesn't show up as in the illustrations, you can find it by going to Tools > Account Settings > Outgoing Server (SMTP). Check that your server settings match what your provider recommends. Also, make sure there are no antivirus or firewall settings causing conflicts. Lastly, if the issue persists, consider trying Thunderbird in Safe Mode or disabling any add-ons temporarily. Your draft being sent from your mobile suggests it's more of a Thunderbird-specific issue.

Jack
Jack Question owner
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Thanks for your suggestions, suram080.

  • My server settings are correct - as recommended by the provider.
  • There are no antivirus or firewall settings causing conflicts.
  • Thunderbird in Safe Mode made no difference to the problem.

But you are right - there is a glitch or a setting that needs tweaking. Still to find it!

Jack
Jack Question owner
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Chosen Solution

Finally sought help from a professional. He played around for a while on my laptop. Not quite sure what he did but the problem is now fixed. (Maybe something to do with an undated server name which didn't filter down to my laptop.)