How to Set Up IMAP Email in Outlook Express

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a type of email service that you can view both in your desktop email software and in webmail. When you view IMAP email messages in software such as Outlook Express, the emails are not deleted from the service provider's server. Instead, they remain so that you can view them in webmail again later. IMAP email has many advantages. Your IMAP email messages stay on the server at all times. You can view them on any computer, no matter where you are. You can also use IMAP to move and delete email messages directly from Outlook Express.

Step 1 Ensure that IMAP is enabled on the email service provider's server. Typically, you must access webmail to change these settings in your account. Check with your email service provider for specific instructions.

Step 2 Start Outlook Express. Click Tools > Accounts... Select "Add" and then click "Mail..." to add the IMAP email account.

Step 3 Type your display name in the Outlook Express window. Type your email address in the next field. Beside "My incoming server is a _____ server" select "IMAP" from the drop-down list. In the "Incoming Mail" field, enter the address of the IMAP server where your account is held. In the "Outgoing Mail" field, enter the address of the service provider's Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server.

Step 4 Type your full email address and password in the fields in the next window. Click "Finish."

Step 5 See if the IMAP email service requires a secure connection. If it does, change the settings in Outlook Express. In the "Mail" tab, select the IMAP email account. Select the "Advanced" tab and click "Properties." Select the check boxes beside "'This server requires a secure connection (SSL)." Check with your email service provider to see which ports they use for the secure email connection and enter them in the fields provided.

Step 6 Select the "Servers" tab. If you're working on your home computer, ensure that the "Remember Password" check box is checked. Click the check box beside "My server requires authentication" if your service provider requires it.