Cannot connect to IMAP servers - timeout
As of yesterday morning, I can no longer connect to the IMAP servers for any of my four email accounts. Three of those are on Office365 servers; the fourth is a StartMail account. All attempts result in server timeout errors. SMTP works fine.
I can access one of the Office365-based accounts via BlueMail on my Android phone (the others are not set up on my phone), and I can access all four accounts via Web mail, but neither is a sustainable method for me to use on a daily, full-time basis.
I've double-checked and triple-checked my server settings (which haven't changed). I updated to the latest stable version of Thunderbird (68.1.1). I performed a fresh install of Thunderbird. None of these have helped at all.
I don't believe this is an issue with MicroSoft Exchange ActiveSync because it's also happening with my StartMail account, which doesn't use it. In addition, I installed and successfully set up the TbSync and EAS-4-TbSync add-ons, also to no avail.
I've run out of ideas as to what could be causing this. I'm hoping not to have to dump Thunderbird completely in favor of another email client.
Modified by enxio27
Chosen solution
What is your antivirus? If you have it scanning email or secure (SSL) connections, both of these are not recommended, it may have updated and suddenly became incompatible with TB. Or, TB updated and the same incompatibility occurred.
To see your startup programs on W7, Windows key+R, type msconfig.exe, choose the Startup tab.
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Start Windows in safe mode and then run TB. If TB connects properly, it indicates there's a startup program blocking access, e.g. a security or AV program.
Well, there is definitely something to what you say, because TB was able to make server contact in Safe Mode. Now I'm trying to figure out what could be blocking it in normal mode that wasn't blocking it before yesterday morning. And why would it block IMAP but not SMTP?
Chosen Solution
What is your antivirus? If you have it scanning email or secure (SSL) connections, both of these are not recommended, it may have updated and suddenly became incompatible with TB. Or, TB updated and the same incompatibility occurred.
To see your startup programs on W7, Windows key+R, type msconfig.exe, choose the Startup tab.
I'm using AVG antivirus (basic). I did turn off email scanning, although I thought it had been active all along. It doesn't appear that it's scanning secure connections, although it may name it something else. I have also been noticing a bluetooth icon in my Computer folder in Windows Explorer lately that wasn't there before. I'm not using any bluetooth devices, so I turned it off in the startup list. Now to try TB again and see what happens. . .
I got two of the accounts working. Apparently the server settings have changed for the third, and the fourth is now Exchange only. I get the following message when I try to set it up:
"This email server unfortunately does not support open protocols. An third-party add-on can allow you to access your email on this server."
It offers Owl, but I know that it (as well as ExQuilla) aren't free. Is there another option that I can use that won't cost anything? I don't need to sync anything except email.
There are free add-ons for syncing Exchange calendars and contacts, but I'm not aware of any free ones for mail. You can try and convince the administrator to enable IMAP and SMTP access. I believe Mailbird supports Exchange accounts.
So do I understand correctly that TbSync doesn't sync email?
enxio27 said
So do I understand correctly that TbSync doesn't sync email?
Yes, calendars and contacts only.
<Sigh!> After further investigation, it appears that TWO of my accounts have disabled IMAP and SMTP access (and I don't think I'll be able to talk them into enabling it). At least the two that I use most are working again on Thunderbird without any add-ons. I appreciate your help!
My problem is somewhat confusing as I am getting the error message pop up below.... but Thunderbird is apparently connecting and downloading mails from both SKY Yahoo and GMail. I have already lowered the IMAP connections from 5 to 2 in advanced server settings. Any assistance would be appreciated
Unable to connect to your IMAP server. You may have exceeded the maximum number of connections to this server. If so, use the Advanced IMAP Server Settings dialogue to reduce the number of cached conn.....
hitbit