Legacy Microsoft Outlook Express guide
Outlook Express 6 can be configured only if it can negotiate the modern encrypted mail connection
This page is retained for customers who still have Outlook Express, but it is not recommended for a new email setup. The application and the Windows versions that supplied it no longer receive normal Microsoft security updates. Use current Outlook, Thunderbird or another supported mail app wherever possible.
Which current guide should I use instead?
Microsoft Outlook
Use the current Outlook instructions for supported Microsoft desktop and mobile versions.
Mozilla Thunderbird
Thunderbird is actively maintained and supports modern encrypted IMAP and SMTP connections.
iPhone or iPad Mail
Add the same mailbox securely to a current iPhone or iPad using the dedicated walkthrough.
General UKC settings
Use the service-specific hostname, encrypted ports and full email-address login in any supported client.
Which UKC settings does Outlook Express need?
First identify which UKC email service holds the mailbox. The incoming and outgoing server must be the hostname covered by its certificate. Do not substitute the domain name unless its certificate expressly covers that mail hostname.
| Mailbox service | Incoming and outgoing server | How to identify it |
|---|---|---|
| Shared web hosting mailbox | Your assigned server, such as ukc10.uk, ukc11.uk, ukc12.uk or ukc13.uk | Read the server name from the hosting welcome email or Plesk |
| Custom Domain Email mailbox | mail.ukc.uk | This is the paid mailbox attached to a parked domain in My Domains |
| Another provider | The hostname supplied by that provider | Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other services use their own settings |
| Purpose | Protocol and port | Encryption | Login |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended incoming mail | IMAP 993 | SSL/TLS enabled | Full email address and mailbox password |
| Outgoing mail for this legacy app | SMTP 465 | SSL/TLS enabled | Authentication required, using the same mailbox login |
| Optional incoming download | POP3 995 | SSL/TLS enabled | Full email address and mailbox password |
How do I add the mailbox to Outlook Express 6?
- 1Open Internet Accounts
In Outlook Express choose Tools, then Accounts. Open the Mail tab.
- 2Start the mail wizard
Select Add, then Mail. Enter the display name recipients should see.
- 3Enter the email address
Type the complete mailbox address, such as name@example.co.uk, and continue.
- 4Choose IMAP
Select IMAP as the incoming server type. Enter the same correct UKC service hostname for incoming and outgoing mail.
- 5Enter the mailbox login
Use the full email address as the account name and enter the mailbox password, not the UKC Client Area or Plesk password.
- 6Finish, then edit properties
Complete the wizard. Return to Tools, Accounts, select the new account and choose Properties.
How do I enable SMTP authentication and encryption?
- 1Open the Servers tab
Confirm the incoming and outgoing hostnames and full email-address account name.
- 2Require authentication
Select My server requires authentication. In Settings, use the same account information as incoming mail.
- 3Open the Advanced tab
Set outgoing mail to port 465 and select the secure SSL connection box for SMTP.
- 4Secure incoming mail
Set IMAP to 993, or POP3 to 995, and select the secure SSL connection box.
- 5Save and restart
Apply the settings, close Outlook Express, reopen it and test receiving before sending a message to another address.
- 6Stop on a security error
If TLS or the certificate fails, do not weaken the setup. Confirm the hostname once, then move to a current mail application.
Should I choose IMAP or POP3?
IMAP is recommended
Messages and folders remain synchronised with the server, webmail and other devices. It is the better option for most businesses.
POP3 is a legacy download method
POP can remove mail from the server or leave different devices out of sync. Use it only when you understand its download and retention settings.
Changing later can duplicate mail
Adding the same mailbox again with another protocol can create a second local folder tree and download messages again.
Back up old local folders first
Outlook Express stores local mail separately from the server. Preserve important folders before replacing the computer or application.
What should I check when Outlook Express will not connect?
| Symptom | Safe check | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Password repeatedly requested | Full email address, mailbox password and Caps Lock | Test webmail, then reset the mailbox password if necessary |
| Certificate name warning | Exact assigned hosting server or mail.ukc.uk for Custom Domain Email | Correct the hostname and never accept a persistent mismatch |
| Secure connection fails | Ports 993 and 465 with SSL selected, current date and time | Use a supported mail app if the old Windows TLS stack cannot connect |
| Receives but will not send | SMTP authentication enabled with the same full-address login | Confirm port 465 and SSL, then test from another network or current app |
| Mail missing on another device | Whether POP3 downloaded or deleted it from the server | Check Outlook Express local folders and change new setups to IMAP |
Outlook Express setup questions
Does UKC recommend Outlook Express?
No. This guide is retained for customers who still need to identify or recover an old setup. Use a current, supported email application for everyday business email.
Is Outlook Express the same as Microsoft Outlook?
No. Outlook Express was an older, separate Windows mail application. Follow the current Outlook guide for supported Microsoft Outlook releases.
Can I use my Plesk or Client Area password?
No. Use the password assigned to the individual mailbox. Account, hosting-control-panel and mailbox credentials are separate.
Can support make old TLS work?
UKC can confirm the hostname, ports and mailbox status, but an obsolete operating system may not support the server’s required modern encryption. A supported mail app and operating system is the safe solution.
Where is Custom Domain Email webmail?
Open webmail.ukc.uk. Shared-hosting customers should use the webmail address for their assigned hosting server.
Choose the safe route
Move the mailbox to a current mail app whenever possible
Your email address and messages matter more than preserving an obsolete application. Use current encrypted settings and ask UKC if you need help identifying the mailbox service.