New Outlook 365 Setup Failure

Question

After launching Outlook it goes directly to a setup screen. I enter email password and imap, smtp server names and ports. It does not connect and suggest I retry. I verified the setup information by creating an email profile in control panel.

Answer 1

Hi! Were you already using this email before, or are you setting it up now in Outlook 365?

If you were already using it, remove the current profile and create a new one.

• If your email is POP, back up your Outlook data file in Documents > Outlook Files.

1. Press Windows + R > type control > Under View By, select Icons > Click Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
2. Click on Show Profiles... > Select your profile > Remove > Restart your computer > Return to this menu and add a new profile.
3. Select Manual setup or additional server types > POP or IMAP > Fill in the requested fields with your account information.

• Check with your email provider to see if the incoming and outgoing server settings, ports, or other important information have been modified.

4. Click More Settings > Fill in more information under Outgoing Server and Advanced.
5. Click OK > Next.

Some email providers require an application code instead of a password. If the problem persists, try generating an application code in Yahoo and using it in place of the password.

Answer 2

Use the verified IMAP/SMTP settings from Control Panel Mail, but let Outlook create the account automatically instead of forcing a manual IMAP/SMTP setup on the first screen.

If Outlook still fails to connect when entering the correct settings, configure or adjust the account from Mail in Control Panel instead of from the New Outlook setup screen:

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Open Control Panel → Mail → Email Accounts….
3. On the Email tab, select the profile and account that already works (the one that was successfully tested) or click New to add it there.
4. After the account is added, select it and click Change….
5. Go to More Settings… → Advanced and verify:
   • Incoming server (IMAP) and Outgoing server (SMTP) port numbers match the values provided by the email provider.
   • The encrypted connection types match what the provider requires.
6. Click OK, then Test Account Settings:
   • If there are red markers, correct the settings and test again.
   • If there are green check marks, click Close, then Next and Finish.

Once the account tests successfully in Control Panel Mail, start Outlook and select that profile so Outlook uses the working configuration instead of repeatedly failing at the New Outlook setup screen.

If the account is IMAP and Outlook never prompts for a password during setup, ensure Require logon using Secure Password Authentication (SPA) is unchecked on the IMAP details page.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Outlook email setup
• Change or update email account settings in Outlook for Windows