University Computer Help Desk

Configuring Thunderbird with MailVPN settings

Configure Thunderbird 2.0 with MailVPN settings so you can check and send email from off campus without needing an independent VPN connection.

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 off campus (with the option of using it from on campus).

If you plan to use Thunderbird primarily from on campus, refer to 1002: Configuring Thunderbird with typical mail settings.

Configure Thunderbird

To configure Thunderbird to use MailVPN settings, do the following:

  1. Launch 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 IMAP. WebVPN mail settings do not work with POP. For more information, see 1172: What is the difference between POP and IMAP?.
  7. In the Incoming Server: box, type mailvpn.ilstu.edu.
    • If you are asked for the Outgoing Server:, type mailvpn.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.
  13. If the Account Settings window is not open, click Tools > Account Settings....
  14. Click Server Settings on the left, underneath the account you just created.
  15. Under Use secure connection:, on the right, select SSL.
    • Locate the Port: box located near the top of the window and verify that it is 993.
  16. Click Outgoing Server (SMTP) on the left.
  17. Do one of the following:
    • If smtp.ilstu.edu is in the list, select it and click Edit....
    • If mailvpn.ilstu.edu is in the list, skip to step 22.
    • Otherwise, click Add....
  18. In the Server Name: box, type mailvpn.ilstu.edu.
  19. Under Security and Authentication, make sure User name and password is checked. Also, make sure your ULID appears in the User Name: box.
  20. Under Use secure connection:, select SSL.
    • Locate the Port: box near the top of the window and verify that it is 465.
  21. Click OK.
  22. Click OK again.

You can now use Thunderbird to check and send mail from off campus without needing an independent VPN connection.

See Also:

 

Article Information

  • Article ID: 1381
  • Last Review: Oct 23, 2009
  • Type: Instructions

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