How to Fix a POP3 Server

The POP3 Connector service in Windows Small Business Server 2008 is one method of receiving email service while using that operating system. If for some reason the POP3 service stops working, you have several methods of attempting to fix it. They include reconfiguring the Connector settings, making sure the Connector is set to automatic, correcting errors found in the SBS 2008 event logs and removing and reinstalling the POP3 Connector service.

Instructions

Verify That the Connector Settings are Correctly Configured

1. Open the Small Business Server 2008 Console. Click the "Network" tab and choose the "Connectivity" option.

2. Click the "POP3 Connector," then click "View POP3 Connector properties" under "Tasks."

3. Look at the email accounts listed and make sure their settings are properly defined.

4. Look under "Schedule" and ensure that the interval is the one you set. Click "OK."

Verify the Connector is Running and Set to Automatic

1. Click "Start" and choose the "Administrative Tools" option, then click "Services."

2. Click "Continue" when the "User Account Control" page appears.

3. Find "Windows SBS POP3 Connector" under "Services (Local)." The setting should be set to "Started." If it is not, right-click it and select "Restart."

4. Look at "Startup Type." It should be set to "Automatic." If it is not, double-click it, change it to "Automatic" and click "OK."

Look Over Windows Small Business Server Event Logs

1. Click "Start" and choose "Administrative Tools," then click "Event Viewer."

2. Click "Continue" when the "User Account Control" window appears.

3. Expand both "Applications and Services Logs" and "Windows Small Business Server 2008."

4. Choose the "Microsoft-Windows-Small Business Server/Operational" option, then look for "Windows SBS POP3 Connector" under "Task Category." Look for any errors, click them and follow the directions that appear.

Remove and Reinstall POP3 Connector

1. Save your configurations. To do this, open the "Windows SBS Console," click the "Network" tab and select "Connectivity." Choose "POP3 Connector" and click "View POP3 Connector properties" under "Tasks." Record the account and schedule information listed, then click "OK."

2. Log on as the Administrator.

3. Click "Start" and type "cmd" in the "Start Search." Right click "cmd.exe" and then click "Run as Administrator."

4. Navigate to "%programfiles%\Windows Small Business Server\Data" and type "del pop3records.dat." Hit the "Enter" key on the keyboard. Then type "net stop pop3connector" and hit Enter. Type "sc delete pop3connector" and hit Enter.

5. Navigate to "%programfiles%\Windows Small Business Server\Bin" and type "pop3connector --install," then hit "Enter."

Tips & Warnings

• If the "del pop3records.datz" file does not exist, you will receive a notice when you type it in. Just skip to the "net stop pop3connector" and "sc delete pop3connector" files.

References

• Microsoft TechNet:Repair the POP3 Connector