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Why can I download mail to one computer and not another?

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  • Last reply by dlockesf

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This started three days ago, about the time of the latest update but I can't be exact. With one computer, Thunderbird connects to the mail server, the green bar expands and then nothing happens. I installed the same account and mailbox on another computer, same server settings and messages download fine. Computers are side by side, latest T-bird version (45.5.1) on both computers, same IP address. No error messages of any kind. Server is a private server, mail.tanoshii.us . POP accounts, both are using unencrypted passwords. I uninstalled and reinstalled T-Bird on the computer that doesn't work. Both are Windows 10. I also compacted the folder and repaired the folder on the computer that doesn't work. Messages are visible by webmail and are definitely on the server.

The ISP says there's gotta be something different between the settings. (Duh). Any thoughts on things to try? Delete msf files?

The one that doesn't work has about 850 unread messages and 11,000 total messages. Could that be an issue?

This started three days ago, about the time of the latest update but I can't be exact. With one computer, Thunderbird connects to the mail server, the green bar expands and then nothing happens. I installed the same account and mailbox on another computer, same server settings and messages download fine. Computers are side by side, latest T-bird version (45.5.1) on both computers, same IP address. No error messages of any kind. Server is a private server, mail.tanoshii.us . POP accounts, both are using unencrypted passwords. I uninstalled and reinstalled T-Bird on the computer that doesn't work. Both are Windows 10. I also compacted the folder and repaired the folder on the computer that doesn't work. Messages are visible by webmail and are definitely on the server. The ISP says there's gotta be something different between the settings. (Duh). Any thoughts on things to try? Delete msf files? The one that doesn't work has about 850 unread messages and 11,000 total messages. Could that be an issue?

Chosen solution

have you tried disabling anti virus email scanning and checking it's firewall that Thunderbird is enabled. Most of these sort of problems are the result of actions of so called "security" software.

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Computers are side by side, latest T-bird version (45.5.1) on both computers, same IP address.

Two computers cannot have the same IP address when being in the same network.

Any thoughts on things to try? Delete msf files?

Deleting msf files won't help here. See https://support.mozilla.org/kb/cannot-receive-messages

Also, have you checked the option to leave messages on the server? If so, on which computer?

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Well, I'm sitting here looking at two computers that whatismyip.com says have the same IP address. My understanding is that everything attached to the DSL line/modem/router that feeds our home will have the same IP address. Just in case, though, I turned off the good computer and the bad one is still bad.

Yes, the good computer setting was to leave messages on the server. I changed the bad one to leave messages on the server too, and that didn't fix it.

Next step will be to reenter the password on the bad computer.

Anyone have more ideas?

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Update: I installed Mailbird and that program gets messages just fine. That proves the problem is inside T-bird somewhere. A uninstall-reinstall didn't fix it so I'm guessing the problem is somewhere in the profile, which doesn't get deleted during an uninstall.

I'd like to generate a new profile without losing the email that's in the old one. Anyone know how to do that?

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Chosen Solution

have you tried disabling anti virus email scanning and checking it's firewall that Thunderbird is enabled. Most of these sort of problems are the result of actions of so called "security" software.

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Matt said

have you tried disabling anti virus email scanning and checking it's firewall that Thunderbird is enabled. Most of these sort of problems are the result of actions of so called "security" software.

That was it. I shut off Norton 360 and it works. I'll need to figure out what is different between my computer's Norton settings and the other one. Thank you.