Thunderbird and IDNET

Rik · Jan 03, 2008, 15:04:52

You're in good form this afternoon, In.

Inactive · Jan 03, 2008, 15:06:11

I thought I would keep my hand in Rik..

Rik · Jan 03, 2008, 15:12:01

And your finger out?

aeuerby · Jan 03, 2008, 15:47:58

Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I've changed to outgoing server to both smtp and mail and the problem is still happening.

May just have to give up on thunderbird so if anyone has any suggestions of something similar (not outlook express or whatever it's called) I'd be grateful!

Rik · Jan 03, 2008, 15:51:46

I'd suggest you give IDNet a ring, 0800 0267237, while you're at your computer. They can then watch the logs as you attempt to send mail, and tell you what they see. This is one of those areas where we can only help in very general terms, if you call IDNet they can get to the specifics very quickly.

If you're looking for another client, though, I'd suggest Pegasus. It is free.

aeuerby · Jan 03, 2008, 16:00:05

Thanks Rik I will.

I can't even log onto IDnets webmail now......
Will sort it all tomorrow. I'm fed up now!

Rik · Jan 03, 2008, 16:01:47

If you can't get into webmail either, it sounds like your password needs to be reset. They can do that for you immediately.

Ann · Jan 03, 2008, 16:10:29

If you really want a new emailer, I'd suggest Eudora http://www.eudora.com/ . I've used it for years and find it great. They've stopped selling it now but it's still available free for download. It won't help your problem though as I'm sure it's not an emailer issue.

Rik · Jan 03, 2008, 16:11:47

I used to use Eudora for years, Ann, as it was the company mail client for Adobe. Pegasus has many similarities, but has the big advantage of still being in development.

Ann · Jan 03, 2008, 16:24:54

I'll look.

colirv · Jan 03, 2008, 18:08:12

Quote from: aeuerby on Jan 03, 2008, 15:47:58
May just have to give up on thunderbird

Just for completeness, I use Thunderbird and send via IDNet SMTP. My settings for Outgoing Server are

Server Name: smtp.idnet.com
Port: 25
User Name: xxxxxx@idnet.com
Secure Connection: TLS (if available)

Password when Thunderbird asks - same as I use to login to webmail as xxxxxx@idnet.com

Just in case you want to double check!

Rik · Jan 03, 2008, 18:12:18

Thanks, Colin, a fresh pair of eyes, especially from a user of TBird, are always welcome.

Adam · Jan 03, 2008, 19:13:47

Quote from: Rik on Jan 03, 2008, 12:11:58
But the servers were always given out as pop3.idnet and smtp.idnet. Would there be a DNS entry for pop.idnet as well?

There does happen to be a DNS entry for pop.idnet though it is unusual for providers to cover such a wide range of options. I personally always just go with mail.* and only use imap.* and smtp.* if required.

Rik · Jan 04, 2008, 00:16:42

It makes you wonder what other permutations they have covered.

aeuerby · Jan 04, 2008, 08:58:08

Just a quick update.
I could log into the webmail last night but still couldn't use thunderbird.

I've downloaded eudora this morning and I can send and receive email with it so it suggests something very wrong with thunderbird.

Simon · Jan 04, 2008, 09:43:00

Is it just your IDNet account in Thunderbird you're having problems with? If so, and other accounts are working, it would still point to an account / server setting issue.

Just another thought, I don't suppose somehow your firewall could have decided to block TB outgoing emails?

Rik · Jan 04, 2008, 10:13:21

Quote from: aeuerby on Jan 04, 2008, 08:58:08
I've downloaded eudora this morning and I can send and receive email with it so it suggests something very wrong with thunderbird.

Have you checked the settings against the ones Colin posted at reply 35? It almost sounds as if your installation of TBird has become corrupted.

aeuerby · Jan 04, 2008, 10:22:14

Rik,
Yes my settings are what Colin had.

I've emailed IDnet customer support who (I'm pleased to say within minutes, excellent customer service!) suggested I uncheck the "use name and password" box which I did and I can now send emails!

I did read on another forum about some guy having the same problem who also unchecked the box but it was only a temporary solution. We'll wait and see.

I've also checked my firewall and it is not set up to block any Thunderbird operations!

Rik · Jan 04, 2008, 10:26:24

I'm glad you're sorted. Is that 'use name and password' box for SMTP server authentication by any chance?

aeuerby · Jan 04, 2008, 10:38:17

Not sure.
The box it is in is titled "Security and Authentication" if that's any help!

Rik · Jan 04, 2008, 10:41:18

That does sound as if you were trying to authenticate the smtp connection, which you don't need to do, so hopefully the cure will be permanent for you.

colirv · Jan 04, 2008, 11:09:18

Quote from: Rik on Jan 04, 2008, 10:41:18
That does sound as if you were trying to authenticate the smtp connection, which you don't need to do

Really? I'd have thought it needed some sort of authentication (although clearly it doesn't) - you could be anybody, IYSWIM!

Rik · Jan 04, 2008, 11:14:46

Generally, there's no need to authenticate when accessing via IDNet (the system knows who you are). OTOH, if you connected via another ISP, you wouldn't be able to use the IDNet smtp server. With my 1&1 account, otoh, I use authenticated-smtp, and can send via their server regardless of the nature of my connection.

colirv · Jan 04, 2008, 11:48:52

Ah. Thank you for that - I'd forgotten I was connected via IDNet in the first place! As it happens I can also send via my Purplecloud hosting, GMail and dnsExit (for work), all of which require authentication. That was what had me fooled (easily done).

Rik · Jan 04, 2008, 11:50:57

It tends to be the same with most ISPs nowadays, Colin. I can still remember when you could use any SMTP server with no authentication, but those days disappeared as spam took off. As you say, domains and GMail tend to use authentication, while other addresses have to reply via the IDNet server.