Problem Connecting to Server

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After you try to use Auto Account Setup to connect to your e-mail account using Outlook, the following error message may appear.

Problem Connecting to Server

An encrypted connection to your mail server is not available. Click Next to attempt using an unencrypted connection.

How do I fix the problem?

If Auto Account Setup can't successfully connect you to your account, do one or more of the following:

  • Wait a few minutes and try again.

  • If you need to connect to your e-mail account immediately, use a Web browser or an e-mail program that supports POP or IMAP to connect to your account using Outlook Web App. For information about how to connect using a Web browser, see Supported Browsers for Outlook Web App and Exchange Online. For information about how to connect using a POP or IMAP e-mail program, see Use IMAP or POP E-Mail Programs.

  • If you know the name of the person who manages your mailbox (sometimes called an e-mail administrator), contact them and report the error you're getting when you try to connect with Outlook.

  • If you experience connectivity issues when accessing your e-mail account using Outlook, you may want to turn on logging to capture more details about what might be causing the issue. The logging information is very technical because it's intended to be interpreted by the people who manage and support your e-mail account. For more information, see Turn on Logging for Your Account in Outlook.

What if I want to know more?