How to Set Up Microsoft Outlook E-mail

Microsoft Outlook is an email client program and is part of the Microsoft Office Suite. Outlook can be configured to download, send and receive your email. Outlook can also be used to organize your contacts and even newsgroups. Learn how to set up Microsoft Outlook for email.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your email user name and password
• Your mail server, e.g smtp.comcast.net or mail.yahoo.com, etc

1. 
    
   Open Outlook

   If you have not yet installed Microsoft Outlook, see the resources section for a link to help do this. Otherwise, launch Outlook by going to Start->Programs->Outlook.

2. 
    
   Microsoft Outlook Set Up Wizard

   The first time you launch Outlook, a Wizard will pop up to assist you in adding your email accounts.

3. 
    
   Import email settings if you are upgrading

   The wizard will ask if you want to import your settings from another account. If you already have an Outlook Express account, or if this is an Outlook upgrade, then use this option. This will import your settings directly so that you do not need to configure Outlook. If that is not the case, then do not import and continue with the wizard.

4. 
    
   Add your email account information

   When prompted, add your name, email address and password. Keep in mind that whatever you add in the "your name" field will show up next to your e-mail address when you send an email. Check the box to manually configure your server settings and select next.

5. 
    
   Configure your email server settings

   Next we need to enter your email server settings. If you do not know what your email server is, you need to get that information from your email provider. Under server information select your account type in the drop down menu, pop3 or imap. Pop3 and imap represent two different protocols and manage your email in different ways. The pop3 protocol downloads your email to your client program, while imap stores your email on the server. Next enter your incoming mail server and outgoing mail server. Again, check with your email provider if you are uncertain. Enter your logon information, and if applicable, check the Secure Password Authentication. At this point it is a good idea to test your settings and make sure that Outlook can communicate with your email server. After entering your server info, select the test account settings button.

6. 
    
   Test email account settings

   At this point it is a good idea to test your settings and make sure that Outlook can communicate with your email server. After entering your server info, select the test account settings button.

7. If the test was successful, then you are all set and can select next to finish the set up wizard and should be directed to your inbox where Outlook will begin to retrieve your email. If the test was not successful, contact your email provider and make sure your server and authentication methods are correct.

Tips & Warnings

• If your email provider limits your storage, you may want to use the POP3 protocol so that your email is not stored on your email provider's server.
• If you use the IMAP protocol, make sure to delete your trash on a regular basis so you do not exceed your email provider's storage quota.