University Computer Help Desk

Configuring Thunderbird with typical mail settings

Configure Thunderbird 2.0 so you can use it to check and send email with your university email account.

Before You Begin

These instructions explain how to configure Thunderbird 2.0 with your ULID email account. Follow these instructions if you plan to use Thunderbird primarily from on campus (with the option of using it from off campus).

If you plan to use Thunderbird primarily from off campus, refer to 1381: Configuring Thunderbird with MailVPN settings.

Configure Thunderbird Using the New Account Wizard

Use these instructions if you downloaded Thunderbird from the University Computer Help Desk website. The Help Desk has configured Thunderbird so it's easy to set up your ULID account.

To configure Thunderbird 2.0 using the New Account wizard, do the following:

  1. Open Thunderbird.
    • If this is the first time you've opened Thunderbird, the Account Wizard will open.
    • If the Account Wizard does not automatically open, click File > New > Account....
  2. Select ISU account and click Next.
  3. Type your name and enter your ULID, and click Next.
  4. Verify that the information on the screen is correct, and click Finish.
  5. Thunderbird will now prompt you for your ULID password.

You may now use Thunderbird to check and send email.

Configure Thunderbird Manually

To configure Thunderbird 2.0 manually for use with your ULID email account, do the following:

  1. Open Thunderbird.
    • If this is the first time you've opened Thunderbird, the Account Wizard will open. Skip to Step 4.
  2. Click Tools > Account Settings...
  3. On the left side of the Account Settings window, click on Add Account.
  4. Select Email Account and click Next.
  5. Type your name and email address, and click Next.
  6. Select whether you would like to use POP or IMAP. If you're not sure what to choose, pick IMAP. For more information, see 1172: What is the difference between POP and IMAP?.
  7. In the Incoming Server: box, type mail.ilstu.edu.
    • If you are asked for the Outgoing Server:, type smtp.ilstu.edu.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Make sure the Incoming User Name: box contains your ULID.
    • If you are asked for the Outgoing User Name:, type your ULID.
  10. Click Next.
  11. Click Next again.
  12. Click Finish.

You may now use Thunderbird to check and send email.

Off-campus users: To check your email from off campus, you need to first establish a VPN connection using either the Cisco VPN Client or Network Connect in WebVPN. If you use Thunderbird primarily from off campus, you can configure it to use MailVPN settings, which eliminates the need for an independent VPN connection.

See Also:

 

Article Information

  • Article ID: 1002
  • Last Review: Oct 21, 2009
  • Type: Instructions

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