University Computer Help Desk

Configuring LDAP Directory Service Lookup in Thunderbird

Configure Thunderbird to use the University's LDAP electronic people directory.

Illinois State University maintains an electronic directory of students, faculty, staff, and retirees. You can search this directory, referred to as LDAP (pronounced "El-dap"), to find a person's email address at Illinois State. LDAP also contains office phone numbers and departments for employees of the University.

To configure Thunderbird with the University's LDAP directory, follow these instructions.

  1. Open Thunderbird.
  2. Click Tools > Address Book
  3. Click File > New > LDAP Directory...
  4. Fill out the form with the following: (Figure 1)
    • Name: dspublic.ilstu.edu
    • Hostname: dspublic.ilstu.edu
    • Base DN: ou=People, o=IllinoisState, dc=ILSTU, dc=EDU
    • Port number: 389
  5. Click on the Advanced tab and enter the following (Figure 2):
    • Search filter: (objectclass=*)
  6. Click OK.

Thunderbird is now configured to use the LDAP directory. You can search LDAP by selecting dspublic.ilstu.edu on the left side of the Address Book window. Type a name or email address in the search box located in the upper-right corner of the Address Book window.

If your initial search returns no results, try swapping the first and last name or try using a partial name. You can also search based on ULID or email address.

Article Information

  • Article ID: 1233
  • Last Review: Feb 2, 2009
  • Type: Instructions

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