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STARTTLS error occurring even with it switched off

  • 6 replies
  • 13 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by stevelast

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I suddenly have started getting a message "Sending of the message failed. An error occurred while sending mail: Unable to establish a secure link with Outgoing server (SMTP) mail.picma.org.uk using STARTTLS since it doesn't advertise that feature. Switch off STARTTLS for that server or contact your service provider." I have reset at tools/account settings/server settings/connection security to SSL/TLS , authentication method normal password and OK'd it, but the same problem still occurs. Can anyone help with this please!

I suddenly have started getting a message "Sending of the message failed. An error occurred while sending mail: Unable to establish a secure link with Outgoing server (SMTP) mail.picma.org.uk using STARTTLS since it doesn't advertise that feature. Switch off STARTTLS for that server or contact your service provider." I have reset at tools/account settings/server settings/connection security to SSL/TLS , authentication method normal password and OK'd it, but the same problem still occurs. Can anyone help with this please!
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Chosen solution

Sometimes the default port number is not the correct one, so if the problem continues, I would check with the mail host on their recommended settings.

It's also possible the STARTTLS setting was correct in the first place, but their server is having a problem.

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I don't have Thunderbird on this computer for comparison, but if I recall correctly...

Could you scroll that left column in Account Settings to the bottom and see whether there is a separate entry there for the outgoing SMTP settings for that account? If so, check to see that it also is set to SSL/TLS.

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Thank you for that.... I did as you suggested - I wasn't aware of that setting. I now get a different message which is that the server is timed out. IT's also showing a different port number of 465 whereas the other server settings shows a port of 993 - but I guess that is the INCOMING server port?? I should say I understand nothing of this ports stuff....!

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I think 465 is a standard outbound/SMTP mail port, but providers can specify other ports. Do your mail host have a help page or other documentation specifying what port to use?

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Well I'll l;eave it alone, I hadn't changed anything else and they are both labelled as the default values. It is now the timeout that is a problem "Sending of the message failed. The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) mail.picma.org.uk timed out. Try again." Keep trying but it immediately comes up with that.

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Chosen Solution

Sometimes the default port number is not the correct one, so if the problem continues, I would check with the mail host on their recommended settings.

It's also possible the STARTTLS setting was correct in the first place, but their server is having a problem.

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Problem now resolved with ISP assistance. Thanks very much for your rapid help, very much appreciated. Steve