Configuring Thunderbird 2.0 to Connect to the VT Mail Server
Time to Complete (in minutes):  20

Question:
How do I configure Thunderbird 2.0 to connect to the VT Mail server?
Answer:
  • If you are setting up an e-mail account for the first time in Thunderbird:
    1. Start Thunderbird.

      Note: If the Account Wizard does not start automatically, from the File menu, select New, and then select Account.

    2. Important: If the Import wizard starts, choose Don't Import Anything, unless you have previously set up a VT Pop e-mail client.

    3. Select the Email Account option.
    4. Click Next.
    5. In the Your Name text box, type your name as you want it to appear on messages you send.
    6. In the Email Address text box, type: [Your PID]@vt.edu

      Note: Replace [Your PID] with your PID.

    7. Click Next.
    8. Select the POP option.
    9. In the Incoming Server text box, type: pop.vt.edu
    10. Click Next.
    11. In the Outgoing Server text box, type: auth.smtp.vt.edu
    12. Click Next.
    13. In the Incoming User Nametext box, type your PID.
    14. Click Next.
    15. In the Account Name text box, type: VT Mail
    16. Click Next.
    17. Clear the Download Messages Now check box.
    18. Click Finish.
    19. From the Tools menu select Account Settings.
    20. On the left under VT Mail, Select Server Settings.
    21. In the Use secure connection area, click the SSL radio button.

      Note: If you want to leave your messages on the server:
      1. Place a check in the Leave Messages on Server check box.
      2. Select how long you want to leave your messages on the server.

    22. From the list on the left side, click on Outgoing Server (SMTP).
    23. Highlight the auth.smtp.vt.edu server and then click Edit.
    24. At the bottom of the window, click the SSL radio button.
    25. At the top, change the port number to 465.
    26. Click the OK button.
    27. Click the OK button again.
  • If this is not the first time you have set up a mail account in Thunderbird:
    1. Start Thunderbird.
    2. From the Tools menu, select Account Settings.
    3. Select each e-mail account you are not using, and click the Remove Account button.
    4. Click the Add Account button.
    5. Follow the directions as listed above from steps 4 through 25.
    6. Note: If you are experiencing problems setting up your account or checking your e-mail, refer to Common VT Mail Problems (http://www.computing.vt.edu/email_and_calendaring/vt_mail/commonproblems.html).