Configuring SMTP AUTH/STARTTLS with Thunderbird
To configure Mozilla or Thunderbird (version 2) to use a secure SMTP server:
- Go to the menu.
- In the left-side pane, select the ; this will bring up the configuration options you need to set in the right-side pane.
- Add/Edit the server settings and set the server name to
mail.cs.duke.edu . - The port setting may be left blank; this will default to 25. *
- Check the box to and enter your CS username.
- Under Use secure connection: select either TLS or SSL. *
- Click OK to save the Preferences.
When you are on the departmental network, you may avoid the password prompt by selecting No under Use secure connection:, the department server will relay mail for all local clients. However, if you wish to keep the same setting all the time, you will need to use the secure connection. You will only be asked for your password once per email session. When offsite you will need to make sure to check the if available since you will need to setup a secure connection in order to send your password over the internet.
If you have any questions please contact the Lab Staff.
* If you have difficulty connecting with these settings, particularly if you are using an unfamiliar network provider, such as a conference or hotel, the following may help:
- Try setting the port to 465 (some ISPs and hotel networks will block port 25).
- Under Use secure connection: try SSL if you are not doing so; this is the more common requirement when ISPs block port 25.