Configure Mozilla Thunderbird to be an IMAP Client and Secure Mailer

The following instructions are to configure Mozilla Thunderbird™ 2.0.0.16 running on Microsoft Windows™ as an IMAP email client. You may have to make adjustments for other versions or running on other operating systems. Substitute values appropriate for you where you see the red numbers.

No warranty as to the fitness of using Mozilla Thunderbird™ as an IMAP email client is expressed or implied. Use at your own risk.

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Most ISPs are blocking the default port for SMTP these days so it is normal to see an error like the one below if your ISP does that.



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Optionally, create a signature block in a text file and have Thunderbird add it to every message you send. You can also create a vCard, if you wish.



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If you wish to be able to digitally sign or encrypt your emails, you can get a free personal e-mail certificate and install it as follows. The mechanics of obtaining that certificate are well-documented where you obtain the certificate. Remember to use your Firefox web browser to get your free certificate for Thunderbird. Once you have your new certificate installed in Firefox, you will need to export the certificate order to install it in Thunderbird. You should safeguard the exported certificate because it is what protects your on-line identity and the emails that you would like to prevent unauthorized people from reading. The need to use a strong passphrase to safeguard the private key that enables you to digitally sign and encrypt your emails cannot be overemphasized. You are well-advised to heed the warnings on the Thawte site.



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