Quick answer
Before migrating a POP mailbox, protect local-only mail and decide whether POP or IMAP fits the new client. Use secure provider settings in the supported application.
Applies to
Historical reference for the retired Windows Mail application, not current new Outlook. Microsoft ended Windows Mail, Calendar and People support on December 31, 2024. Preserve local data and move to a supported client; the old app is not a reliable current sending/receiving workflow.
Steps
- Verify a readable copy of local mail and note server-copy/retention settings.
- Add the existing mailbox in the supported client with the exact full username and server values.
- If using POP, apply the supported TLS settings, commonly POP 995 and authenticated SMTP 465/TLS or 587/STARTTLS. Review retention before downloading a large mailbox.
Check the result
Confirm receiving, sending and the intended local/server retention.
Troubleshooting and support
If old messages are absent in webmail, they may be local-only. Do not remove the old data before locating and verifying their recovery copy.
If the problem continues, contact support from the account that owns the service. Include the domain, exact error, time and time zone, tool name, and a redacted screenshot. Keep passwords, private keys, cookies and private message content out of the ticket.
Earlier interface shown in the video
The video uses the retired Internet Email setup screen with POP selected as its account type.
Video tutorial
The original video is preserved. Its interface or product version may differ from the written guidance above.
Related help
- Find the correct secure IMAP and SMTP settings for your mailbox
- Use webmail to separate a mailbox problem from a device problem
- Configuring an IMAP email account with SSL in Thunderbird
Official references
Written content reviewed November 1, 2026. Menu availability depends on the product version, permissions and service.
