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Friday August 2nd, 2013

OIT > Email > LDAP > Thunderbird Windows

Configuring LDAP for Thunderbird for Windows

Summary: You can use Thunderbird to access UCI's electronic phonebook through LDAP. Once configured you will be able to search for anyone's email address at UCI.

Note: UCI's LDAP service is only available on campus or through the VPN with Thunderbird.

These directions were written using Thunderbird 2. Earlier versions of Thunderbird will work, but you must use the Address Book to search for addresses.

Step 1: Set up Thunderbird to use UCI's LDAP server.

  1. Launch Thunderbird.
  2. From the Tools menu, select Account Settings. (See Figure 1)
    Figure 1: Account Settings
    Figure 1
  3. Select Composition & Addressing from your UCI Email account. (See Figure 2)
  4. In the Addressing section, select the Use a different LDAP server radio button.
  5. Click the Edit Directories button next to the None drop down menu.
    Figure 3: New LDAP
    Figure 2
  6. Click the Add button in LDAP window. (See Figure 3)
    Figure 3: Add LDAP
    Figure 3
  7. Under the General tab, fill in the following information (See Figure 4):
    1. Name: UCI Phone Book
      (This can be any name you choose.)
    2. Hostname: ldap.service.uci.edu
    3. Base DN: ou=University of California Irvine,o=University of California,c=US
      (Type this in exactly or copy and paste.)
    4. Port Number: 389
      Figure 4: Screenshot of LDAP window
      Figure 4
    5. Click OK to exit the LDAP configuration window. Click OK to close the LDAP Server window.
    6. Back in the Addressing section, select the new UCI Phone Book entry from the drop down menu. (See Figure 5)
      Figure 5: Choose Directory
      Figure 5
    7. Click OK to close the Settings window.

Step 2: Using LDAP in Thunderbird

  1. Compose a new message in Thunderbird by clicking the Write icon or selecting File > New > Message.
  2. Type the name of your recipient in the To field.
  3. Thunderbird will start searching the directory and display a list of people who match your search criteria. (See Figure 6)
  4. Select the person to whom you want to send your message from the list.
    Figure 6: Screenshot of Address Book
    Figure 6
  5. If Thunderbird does not search the directory, make sure the UCI Phone Book is selected in Addressing in Step 6 above. Also, remember, the directory lookup only works on campus or when using the VPN.