Configuring Thunderbird using IMAP
for Windows
Summary: This handout is a comprehensive set of instructions to configure Thunderbird to work with Windows using the IMAP protocol. Thunderbird is available at: http://www.mozilla.com.
IMAP stores your email on the server. This allows you to read your email from different computers. Thunderbird allows you to download your messages for offline viewing when you do not have a connection to the Internet. If you check email from more than one computer, including Webmail, we recommend using IMAP.
Norton Anti-Virus Conflict
If you receive an error such as: "Unable to send an encrypted file ", it is likely due to use of a consumer version of Norton Antivirus configured to scan outgoing mail. You will need to disable scanning outgoing mail. If you use Norton Internet Security, it conflicts with our services. To use UCI's outgoing mail server, you will need to uninstall Norton Internet Security. Call the Response Center at (949) 824-2222 for more information.
Problems Sending Email From Home?
Your Internet Service Provider may be blocking other servers from sending email. This is to cut down on the spread of spam and viruses.
Option 1: Use your ISP's outgoing mail server (SMTP).
Option 2: If you use a mobile computer, you may want to use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) when sending email. This will allow you to encrypt your email and use UCI's SMTP servers.
Getting Started
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Launch Thunderbird by clicking on its icon.
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The New Account Setup should appear when you first run the program. Click on Email account, and click Next.(Figure 1)
Figure 1
- Type your full name in the Your Name field.
- Type your UCI email address in the Email Address field and click Next. (Figure 2)
Figure 2
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Select IMAP for the type of incoming server. (Figure 3)
- Type imap.uci.edu in the Incoming Server field.
- Type smtp.uci.edu in the Outgoing Server field and click Next.
Figure 3
- Type in your UCInetID in both the Incoming and Outgoing User Name fields. (Figure 4). Click Next.
Figure 4
- Type a descriptive name in the Account Name field. This can be anything you choose. (Figure 5). Click Next.
Figure 5 - Verify your settings and click Finish.(Figure 6)
Figure 6 - From the Tools menu, select Account Settings. (Figure 7)
Figure 7 -
Click on Server Settings in the left pane . Check the SSL radio button under Security Settings. (Figure 8)
Figure 8 - Click on Outgoing Server (SMTP) in the left pane. Select smtp.uci.edu and click the Edit button. (Figure 9)
Figure 9 - In the Settings window , change the Port to 587.
- Check the "Use name and password" box and enter your UCInetID in the User Name field.
- Click the TLS radio button under Use secure connection. Click OK. (Figure 10)
NOTE: In Thunderbird 3, please select STARTTLS instead of TLS
Figure 10
You are now ready to use your email. To check mail, click the Get Mail icon at the top of the screen. When prompted, enter your Email password and press Enter. If you have any problems, please call the OIT Help Desk at 949-824-2222, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
