You can connect to your mailbox using either the POP3 or IMAP protocols. As a rule of thumb it is better to use POP3 if only one computer accesses your mailbox, while it is better to use IMAP if you have a number of computers that will access your mailbox. Our article Whats the difference between POP and IMAP will explain the differences in more detail.
Step 1: Open Thunderbird.
Note: You may be asked if you want to import settings from other email software, such as Outlook Express. This guide shows you how to set up a new mailbox from scratch.
Step 2: The Account Wizard will open, if you don't have any other mailboxes set up in Thunderbird.
If the wizard does not open automatically, click Account Settings in the Tools menu, then click the Add Account button.
Step 3: Select the Email account radio button, then click Next.
Step 4: Enter your name in the Your Name text-box. This is what most people will see when you send them an email.
Step 5: Enter your email address in the Email Address text-box, then click the Next button.
Step 6: Depending upon your favored connection type, select the POP or IMAP check box.
Step 7: Enter your mail server in Incoming Server text-box. This is your domain name with "mail." added to the front.
Example: mail.yourdomain.co.uk
Step 8: Enter "smtp.fasthosts.co.uk" in the Outgoing Server text-box, then click Next.
Note: If you already have an SMTP server set up in Thunderbird, you will use this server by default and not be given the option to enter a new server. In this instance you should continue with this guide, then follow the steps at the foot of the article entitled Changing your SMTP Server.
Step 9: Enter your full email address in the Incoming User Name text-box.
Step 10 (Advanced mailbox): Enter your full email address, again, in the Outgoing User Name text-box, then click Next.
Step 10 (Standard mailbox): Ensure the Outgoing User Name text-box is blank, then click Next.
Step 11: Use the Account Name text-box to enter the name you want to use to identify this account, then click Next. This name will only be visible to you.
Step 12: Confirm the details you have entered, click Finish, then click OK to close the Account Settings window.
If this is an Advanced mailbox, it is now set up in Thunderbird.
Important: These instructions are for customers who connect using Fasthosts Broadband and Fasthosts Dial. If you use another provider, ask your ISP for your outgoing (SMTP) mail server details.
Step 1: Select Local Folders (or your account name, if you chose to show the account separately).
Step 2: Click View settings for this account in the main Thunderbird window.
Step 3: The Account Settings window will open. Click Outgoing Server (SMTP).
Step 4: Highlight your SMTP server, then click the Edit button.
Step 5: The SMTP Server window will open. Ensure that the Use name and password check box is not selected.
Step 6: Click OK, then click OK again on the Account Settings window.
Your Standard mailbox is now set up in Thunderbird.
Step 2: Click View settings for this account in the main Thunderbird window.
Step 3: The Account Settings window will open. Click Outgoing Server (SMTP).
Step 4: Highlight your SMTP server, then click the Add button.
Step 5: Enter your SMTP details in the text boxes provided.
Your account will now use your new SMTP server to send emails. You will be asked for your SMTP password the first time you attempt to send email from this account. If you have an Advanced mailbox this will be the same as your mailbox password.