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Why Does Thunderbird Work Intermittently?

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by natwhit2

natwhit2
natwhit2
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I've been using Thunderbird a long time now. But for the last year or so it goes through these phases where it doesn't work.

It'll be humming along fine and then all of a sudden I can't send emails. I can receive, but not send. When I try to send, I get this message: 

 Sending of the message failed.
 The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) gator4002.hostgator.com timed out. Try again.

At that point, the only way I can send is to use the online webmail.

Later, after a long period of this, Thunderbird will suddenly start working again. It seems like the non-working periods last longer than the working periods though.

I use an HP PC with Windows 10 and Firefox browser.

Thanks.

I've been using Thunderbird a long time now. But for the last year or so it goes through these phases where it doesn't work. It'll be humming along fine and then all of a sudden I can't send emails. I can receive, but not send. When I try to send, I get this message: Sending of the message failed. The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) gator4002.hostgator.com timed out. Try again. At that point, the only way I can send is to use the online webmail. Later, after a long period of this, Thunderbird will suddenly start working again. It seems like the non-working periods last longer than the working periods though. I use an HP PC with Windows 10 and Firefox browser. Thanks.

All Replies (4)

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
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When it's working sometimes your settings are correct. So the problem is either with your Internet connection or your email provider. Check your Internet connection. Talk to your email provider and ask if they have problems.

natwhit2
natwhit2 Question owner
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Thanks for your reply. But could you elaborate? Check my internet connection for what? It seems to be fine. I'm able to go to websites and I'm able to use my email online through webmail.

My email account is on a domain hosted with Hostgator. When Thunderbird isn't working I'm able to login to webmail online (www.mydomain.com/webmail) and send emails that way. So there doesn't seem to be any problem with my internet connection or with my email provider.

As far as my settings go, they don't change. Why would my settings be correct one minute and then incorrect the next?

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Why would my settings be correct one minute and then incorrect the next?

That's the whole point. Talk to your email provider, the problem must be at their end.

natwhit2
natwhit2 Question owner
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I contacted Hostgator support. They were unable to resolve the issue.