ralphbs said

I cannot send or receive emails. Comcast is my provider. I use TB Version 45.2 with Lightening as the only add-on. Operating on Win 7. I have followed TB’s and Comcast’s web site instructions, re-installing twice, checking the settings manually several times. I was able to send/receive mail last week and only received mail as of 6/1. I can see, read,receive,send mail from Comcast page. Following is the site sent to me by Comcast: https://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/internet/pop-imap-mozilla-thunderbird/ . Their expert called me and began to impatiently read from their website, asking why I wanted to use TB, etc. rather than log in to their website, etc. Both Comcast and TB’s web instructions indicate that Authentication Method should be “Autodetect”. The dropdown menu on my version does not offer that selection, so I choose “Normal Password”. That is the only difference between my email Account Settings and Comcast / TB set-up instructions. I need a little specific help, not just referrals to some website or forum. I am open to any meaningful response including being considered stupid or entertaining conspiracy theories about Comcast. I’m sure it’s something simple and I am happy to look in the mirror for solutions – just TELL me what the solution is. THX, Ralph Spaugh, ralphspaugh@comcast.net

I would suggest you consider conspiracy theories about your anti virus program. They are by far the most common cause of issues when it comes to creating account and downloading email.

Restart the operating system in safe mode with Networking. This loads only the very basics needed to start your computer while enabling an Internet connection. Click on your operating system for instructions on how to start in safe mode: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OSX

Having the operating system in safe mode with networking will allow the account setup to proceed without any help of anti virus or other interfering and overly helpful software.

Matt,

You nailed it, I think. I turned of the firewall (MS firewall "managed' by AVAST) and achieved near instant send / receive on my mail.

This site ( http://www.getavast.net/support/performance ) also gives very helpful advice on how to tweak AVAST to improve performance. The main one that I think would help with email is to turn off "Mail Shield". There was a recommendation to not do that if using a resident mail program like Thunderbird. Any thoughts on this quandary?

Ralph