How to Figure Out a POP3 Server

POP3 Mailbox

When a user sets up Outlook e-mail, she needs to determine and confirm/test the ISP's correct POP3 server name and credentials for receiving Internet e-mail. Although this appears to be a rather trivial task to those of a more technical nature, it can seem daunting to non-technical users.

Instructions

Use ISP Name

1. Go to the DOS command prompt: Click "Start," and navigate to "Run," and then type "cmd" in the command window (for Vista, just click "Start," then type "cmd"); and then press "Enter."

2. 

   Type "nslookup" followed by "pop3.YOURISP" --where YOURISP might be, for example, "comcast.net." Then press "Enter." (For example: nslookup pop3.comcast.net <Enter>). Make note of the "aliases" in the displayed response; such as "pop3.comcast.net" and "mail.comcast.net."

3. 

   Click "Start," "Settings," and then "Control Panel." Double-click the "Mail" icon.

4. 

   Click "Add," and then type a descriptive profile name, and then click "OK."

5. 

   Click "Add a New Email account," and then click "Next."

6. 

   Choose "POP3" and then click "Next."

7. 

   Enter all username and server credentials and then test the settings. Type your name in the "Your Name" field; type your full ISP email address in the "E-mail Address" field. Type your ISP user account name in the "User Name" field (sometimes the same as your e-mail address). Type your ISP email password into the "Password" field (ensure you click the "Remember Password" check-box. Type the POP3 server name (noted from the Step 2 "nslookup") into the "Incoming Mail Server (POP3)" field. Type the outgoing SMTP server name into the "Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP)" field. Click "Test Account Settings" and review the results for success or failure.

Tips & Warnings

• Success in Step 7 indicates that you have indeed figured out the correct POP3 server information. Call the ISP with specific details and error messages if the "Test Account Settings" step fails; and the ISP can confirm the POP3 server name and can assist you with testing.

Resources

• Microsoft POP3 Article