problem with older computer using macmail and smtp - says it's offline

This time, didn't receive a response from anyone here but just in case anyone else has this problem-- it's fixed... drum roll, drum toll.. chat gpt had explicit directions, including bashing catalina (the last system that will work with this imac).

Step A — Keychain first (important now)

1. Open Keychain Access
2. In the search box, type:

• • earthlink
  • smtpauth
  • your email address

1. Delete every EarthLink-related Mail/SMTP entry

• • (Leave unrelated internet passwords alone)

1. Restart the iMac

This clears the contradictory credentials Catalina keeps juggling.

🟡 Step B — Recreate SMTP trust

After reboot:

1. Open Mail → Preferences → Accounts → Server Settings
2. Outgoing Mail Server → Edit SMTP Server List
3. Advanced tab:

• • Authentication: Password
  • User name: type it manually
  • Password: type it manually
  • Port: 587
  • SSL: On

1. Uncheck Automatically manage connection settings
2. Save, quit Mail, reopen

This worked.

You're right-- / old school/ in the past there were some dedicated people who helped me out even if it was a holiday or an event like the superbowl so I became used to it- but obviously it's not realistic. Thanks for being glad the problem was fixed. Me too. And yes I know, everyone has other lives, so help here has always been appreciated.