We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Email Server Already Exists

  • 6 replies
  • 0 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Wayne Mery

more options

I have already read all the posts about this subject, but none of them apply to me.

I upgraded just today on my laptop to the current Thunderbird version.

I started adding my most recent email account, got through all the steps .... then it locks up saying it's checking the password. Still waiting, waiting, waiting.

When I couldn't wait any longer, I cancelled it out.

Looking in my accounts I didn't see where this new aborted account was listed anywhere, so I tried again to create a new mail account.

THIS time, instead of it checking for my email ... it now tells me that that email server already exists!

Is this something to do with the upgrade because I can't add an account.

Thanks

I have already read all the posts about this subject, but none of them apply to me. I upgraded just today on my laptop to the current Thunderbird version. I started adding my most recent email account, got through all the steps .... then it locks up saying it's checking the password. Still waiting, waiting, waiting. When I couldn't wait any longer, I cancelled it out. Looking in my accounts I didn't see where this new aborted account was listed anywhere, so I tried again to create a new mail account. THIS time, instead of it checking for my email ... it now tells me that that email server already exists! Is this something to do with the upgrade because I can't add an account. Thanks

Chosen solution

I suggest removing account completely, then closing TB and restarting. Do NOT include password when creating the account. Instead, wait until TB confirms the account and enter password only when prompted.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (6)

more options

Chosen Solution

I suggest removing account completely, then closing TB and restarting. Do NOT include password when creating the account. Instead, wait until TB confirms the account and enter password only when prompted.

more options

I don't have an account to remove. That's the problem. I'm trying to add the account, but it's not letting me. So there's nothing there to remove. I'll try the part where you say not to add the password and see what happens.

more options

Okay. So I went to create a new account and this time didn't include the password until prompted. It set up the account, I see it in the list of folders. However, it keeps telling me the password has failed. It's a correct password, so again, not sure what's happening. I'll keep trying.

more options

What is the email account domain? Many now require a different password, such as Gmail.

more options

EUREKA! So, this is what I did for others who may be having the same issue.

When I set up the account, I did what David said and did NOT input the password at the beginning.

When it prompted me for the password, I put it in, but it told me it failed.

The 3rd time the message came up, it said that the account helpme at my server wasn't connecting.

That's when I noticed that Thunderbird made my account name helpme instead of [email protected].

Because that second part @perryhrbc.org wasn't there, it failed.

When I set up the account, I typed in the complete user name [email protected], so not sure why it didn't transfer over to the server information.

But I'm happy, it works now.

Thanks, David.

more options

Check tools > developer > error console for related issues.