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Can't SEND emails

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ISSUE: I can receive emails but not send them. ISP: Confirmed my settings are all correct. I HAVE:

  • uninstalled Thunderbird and re-install it.
  • checked and rechecked all settings

EMAILS-bring up a new message and hit send..

  • the email sits there, does not go away
  • email is not in outbox or sent folders.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT to receive emails too!!!

ISSUE: I can receive emails but not send them. ISP: Confirmed my settings are all correct. I HAVE: * uninstalled Thunderbird and re-install it. * checked and rechecked all settings EMAILS-bring up a new message and hit send.. * the email sits there, does not go away * email is not in outbox or sent folders. WHAT CAN I DO NEXT to receive emails too!!!

Chosen solution

If it sends OK under those conditions then you need to hunt down the cause. Thunderbird safe mode turns off your themes and add-ons. Re-enable them one by one to see if/when the problem recurs. Then you've found the culprit. Windows safe mode turns off virus scanning. Judging by problems reported in this forum, this is the more likely cause; but I don't use Windows myself so I can't help you with it much. There are good articles here: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Thunderbird_:_FAQs_:_Anti-virus_Software https://wiki.mozilla.org/Thunderbird:Testing:Antivirus_Related_Performance_Issues

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All Replies (10)

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Is yours a Windows computer? If so please try Thunderbird in 'Windows safe mode with networking'. This will help to narrow down the possibilities.

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amanchesterman said

Is yours a Windows computer? If so please try Thunderbird in 'Windows safe mode with networking'. This will help to narrow down the possibilities.

Win10 in safe mode and Thunderbird in safe mode - can send emails successfully. Now what? How do I send emails in BAU ??

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Chosen Solution

If it sends OK under those conditions then you need to hunt down the cause. Thunderbird safe mode turns off your themes and add-ons. Re-enable them one by one to see if/when the problem recurs. Then you've found the culprit. Windows safe mode turns off virus scanning. Judging by problems reported in this forum, this is the more likely cause; but I don't use Windows myself so I can't help you with it much. There are good articles here: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Thunderbird_:_FAQs_:_Anti-virus_Software https://wiki.mozilla.org/Thunderbird:Testing:Antivirus_Related_Performance_Issues

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I have a send/receive issue. I have operated TB in the safe mode and still cannot send/receive. The only add-on I use is the Lightening calendar. I have reinstalled TB per instructions on TB's website to no avail. I use Comcast as a provider and can see, send, receive mail on their website. I have spoken with a Comcast "expert" who brusquely read this link ( whttps://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/internet/pop-imap-mozilla-thunderbird/) to me. I followed these instructions. I have also walked thru the Account set-up manually to see if all was according to TB's website instructions. The only difference is that both sites tell me to set Authentication to "Autodetect". My drop-down menu does not have that selection, so I pick "Normal Password". I am open to any specific advice, help, Comcast conspiracy theories, being called stupid, etc. I just want the program to work. It worked last week and since intermittently. Last email received was 7/1. Your kind specific advice is appreciated. Referral to forums or instruction sites are not particularly helpful - I have tried those. Another reinstall is probably in the works - I hope not

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Macintosh Thunderbird 45.2.0

Macintosh OS 10.10.5

Receiving emails but can not send email

All was fine until i updated Macintosh Thunderbird


Please help.

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This is absolutely nuts that no one at Thunderbird headquarters can not provide a solution to a most perplexing problem.


Not happy here.

Certainly do no recommend Thunderbird to my Mac friends.

Just read this:

If you like Thunderbird, please consider a donation!


Well, no way am i donating.

Modified by Mister Magoo

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Let's see. You post to a 2 month old, Solved, thread and wonder why you get no response.

Open you own thread with details of your problem and I bet you do better.

As for Thunderbird headquarters. Thunderbird is developed and supported by volunteers so people like you can use it for free. Now you have made yourself a good excuse to continue to use it for free and not donate.

Modified by user01229325

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Thank you for your response and interest.

I tried the suggestions in the " solved " thread which for the vast majority were for the windows system and not applicable or helpful for my Macintosh operating system.

Your comments that i would not donate is rather harsh and i am sorry it upset you.

How would you feel when if your thunderbird/Macintosh version went wonky because of an Thunderbird update ?


I am not a computer wizz kid just an 80plus goof that is now stuck unable to send email using Thunderbird.

I wonder if i zapp the Thunderbird file that resides in the systems library file and just start again ?

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Please start your own thread. This one is solved and closed. By your own words it does not apply to you since you are using a MAC and not windows.

By the way, I feel fine. I have never had an upgrade stop thunderbird from working.

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Once again, thank you kindly for your response and continued interest in my Mac Thunderbird ( the most recent version: 45.2.0 ) problem of not being able to send out my mail.

error message i keep getting:

Sending of the message failed. The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtp.telus.net timed out. Try again.

I have reviewed smtp settings and really can't see anything wrong.