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how do i change server type?

linda.shockley0715
linda.shockley0715
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I ran into a problem with gmail. I followed instructions on google and got my e-mail working but my husband's still won't work. The server type for his account is different. I can't figure out how to change it.

I ran into a problem with gmail. I followed instructions on google and got my e-mail working but my husband's still won't work. The server type for his account is different. I can't figure out how to change it.

Chosen solution

Confirm the Server Type in Account Settings under Server Settings for the account. What I mean is, if the Server Type is POP, and the server name is e.g. pop.gmail.com, you can't change it to an IMAP account just by changing the name to imap.gmail.com. You would have to add the account as an IMAP account, copy any relevant messages from the POP account to the IMAP account, then Remove the POP account.

"Change the server type" really means adding the other type, then removing the original type. If you accidentally changed the server name of a POP account to an IMAP name, you can simply change it back to the POP server name and port etc.

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All Replies (4)

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 25 Contributor
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You can't change the server type from POP to IMAP and vice versa by just changing the settings:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Convert_a_POP_account_to_a_IMAP_account

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Using_Gmail_with_Thunderbird_and_Mozilla_Suite

linda.shockley0715
linda.shockley0715 Question owner
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How do I change the server type? My husband's email had server type of POP, now it says IMAP. SOMETHING changed it, I just want to change it back. Your message says "You can't change the server type" did you mean "You can change the server type"?

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Confirm the Server Type in Account Settings under Server Settings for the account. What I mean is, if the Server Type is POP, and the server name is e.g. pop.gmail.com, you can't change it to an IMAP account just by changing the name to imap.gmail.com. You would have to add the account as an IMAP account, copy any relevant messages from the POP account to the IMAP account, then Remove the POP account.

"Change the server type" really means adding the other type, then removing the original type. If you accidentally changed the server name of a POP account to an IMAP name, you can simply change it back to the POP server name and port etc.

linda.shockley0715
linda.shockley0715 Question owner
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Thanks for your help. You're an angel!