Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mail not working, server "pop3.live.com" cannot be contacted on port 995.

Hi,


A few days ago my mail stopped working. it gave me the error that it was unable to receive mail.


The server returned the error: The server "pop3.live.com" cannot be contacted on port 995.


I've logged into my hotmail by browser which works fine (so nothing wrong with login details). I have also deleted my account in the mailbox and set up the same account again and still it won't fetch emails or let me send them.


Your help would be much appreciated!

O.A.

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion

Posted on Oct 22, 2013 7:10 AM

Reply
8 replies

Oct 22, 2013 1:08 PM in response to Linc Davis

Hi Linc,


When I add a new account I get the following message:


The Hotmail POP server "pop3.live.com" is not responding. Try checking the network connection, and that the server name is correct. Otherwise the server might be temporarily unavailable. If you continue, you might not be able to receive messages.


How can it be that all of a sudden my mail stops working after having worked fine for over a year?

Oct 22, 2013 2:05 PM in response to Oelk11

Triple-click the word "telnet" in the line below to select the whole line:

telnet pop3.live.com 995

Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C.


Launch the Terminal application in any of the following ways:


☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)


☞ In the Finder, select Go Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.


☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.


Paste into the Terminal window by pressing the key combination command-V. I've tested these instructions only with the Safari web browser. If you use another browser, you may have to press the return key after pasting.


You should almost instantly get three lines of output below what you entered, the last of which is this:

Escape character is '^]'.


If there's no output within ten seconds, consider that a failure. If you get something different from the above, please post it in a reply. You can then quit Terminal.

Oct 23, 2013 5:31 AM in response to Linc Davis

Hi Linc,


Followed all your steps, and entered the line into Terminal. After about a minute I get the message that the connection is closed by a foreign host. My mail still doesn't work though. My iMessage also doesn't work on my macbook for some reason (however it has been like this for some time now). Could this be related?


Your help is much appreciated!

Oct 23, 2013 8:16 AM in response to Oelk11

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, or by corruption of certain system caches.


Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.


Test while in safe mode. Same problem?


After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Oct 23, 2013 2:00 PM in response to Linc Davis

Hi Linc,


I followed your instructions. when I booted in safe mode all of a sudden I received a number of emails. I just sentan email to myself (from my iPhone), and it hasn't come in yet (I refreshed my mail and 10 minutes passed). For some reason I also haven't received any emails on my iPhone today, but I guess thats a different problem. I checked my hotmail and the email has come in over there.


I really appreciate your help!

Mail not working, server "pop3.live.com" cannot be contacted on port 995.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.