Authentication Problem
I am not completely computer savvy and have encountered a daunting problem. I have three separate GMail accounts in Thunderbird, all have worked perfectly well until 2 days ago. One has suddenly generated an "authentication failure while connecting to server imap.gmail.com". I have read many posts and checked everything I understood (don't want to make things worse) and all settings appear the same on each account. I have no idea where the problem lies and would appreciate a simple (not really technical)answer if anyone can help me.
Chosen solution
OK, I have no idea the perfect solution. It was working and now it's not. What you might try is this: - in settings>privacy&security, click 'saved passwords' and then 'show passwords' .Then highlight the two rows for that account and delete them. That will remove password from the account. When you next attempt to retrieve mail, Google should prompt you for your gmail account and password and should then show a screen to allow the account to work. Now, none of that should be necessary, but somehow the account is not working and this is my best guess to restart it.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (7)
Please share more on the account, possibly sharing a screenshot of incoming server setup and SMTP server setup. Are you able to send messages? Do you use an anti-virus? Which one? Do you use a VPN?
I cannot send messages on the email account in question or receive. I use the Microsoft anti virus built in to my desktop and don't use a VPN. The other two emails which are also g-mail have no problem, I believe all three have exactly the same settings.. The Incoming server name is imap.gmail.com Port 993. Security is SSL/TLS and authentication OAuth2. Outgoing server is smtp.gmail.com Port 465 same security and authentication method. I could only find these settings by attempting to setup again. If there is somewhere else please point me in the right direction.
Chosen Solution
OK, I have no idea the perfect solution. It was working and now it's not. What you might try is this: - in settings>privacy&security, click 'saved passwords' and then 'show passwords' .Then highlight the two rows for that account and delete them. That will remove password from the account. When you next attempt to retrieve mail, Google should prompt you for your gmail account and password and should then show a screen to allow the account to work. Now, none of that should be necessary, but somehow the account is not working and this is my best guess to restart it.
My heartfelt thanks David, it was the perfect solution! Hopefully it will be good from now on but I will remember your "fix" should it happen again. You saved my sanity!
You're very welcome. You gave me my biggest smile of the day. Happy 4th to you. :)
And a very Happy 4th to you, my celebration was yesterday, Canada Day but I'm not opposed to celebrating the 4th too. :-)
Yikes, I"m too provencial. To me, everyone lives in the U.S. My flaw. But I live not far from Canada - Syracuse and have enjoyed several escapes to that beautiful country. All the best.