Email Protection preventing Outlook 365 client from connecting to POP3 server

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
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I have just installed Windows 11 on a new PC along with software, including Office 365. Everything was working fine, but then the last thing I installed was Norton Security. Outlook then stopped receiving emails, but I found that if I turn off Email Protection, it suddenly started working again.

I still have my old PC, running Windows 10 and otherwise the same software (including Norton Security) and it doesn’t have this problem.

The error I get on the Windows 11 PC with Email Protection enabled is:

Task ‘my email address - Receiving’ reported error (0x80042108) : ‘Outlook cannot connect to your incoming (POP3) email server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).’

I tried to find some logs in Norton about detecting email threats but cannot find anything anywhere. All of the setup within the product is identical to the one on my Windows 10 PC.

I notice there are similar issues that have been reported for some years now, but wonder if there has been any conclusion as to what can go wrong, or how to work around it (other than just turning Email Protection off)?

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Caveat: I do not run Office/Outlook

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This does not work as wscert.der is a public key certificate and a private key is required to be loaded inot Outlook Trust Centre

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I have just spent 45 minutes chatting to an agent and all they want to do is take remote control of my PC to look at the issue - not prepared to do this so no progress. She said she could escalate the issue but wants my phone number which I am not happy to share to a call centre so no progress

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All: Microsoft suggests that, with Outlook 365 security software is the issue as suspected. Being that the Norton spam filter was removed something was added back that is mimicking it. SSL stripping appears to be the issue Norton needs to address.

Eleni Constantinou

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Replied on July 23, 2024Report abuse

Good afternoon, Kim Ming Teo,

Thank you for reaching out.

I understand that you’re encountering an error message in Outlook: “Task ‘(account name) - Receiving’ reported error (0x80042108), Outlook cannot connect to incoming (POP3) email server.” This issue is preventing you from receiving emails, and you’re concerned about whether any lost emails can be retrieved or recovered.

This error typically occurs when Outlook is unable to connect to your incoming mail server. This can be due to several reasons, such as incorrect server settings, network issues, or problems with the mail server itself.

To address your concern about lost emails: If the emails were sent to you during the time your Outlook was unable to connect to the server, they should still be on the server and will be downloaded once the connection issue is resolved. They are not lost but are temporarily inaccessible.

To help narrow down the issue and find a solution, could you please provide the following information:

  1. What version of Outlook are you using? What version of Outlook do I have? - Microsoft Support.
  2. May I know your affected account type and subscription (such as Microsoft365 business account, Outlook.com/Hotmail.com/live.com account or third-party account)?
  3. May I know how accounts are configured in Outlook (such as Exchange, IMAP, and POP)?
  4. Have you recently changed any settings in Outlook or your email account?
  5. Are you able to access your emails through a web browser or another email client?

In the meantime, here are some general solutions you can try for both new and classic Outlook:

  1. Check Server Settings: Ensure that your incoming (POP3) server settings are correct. You can find these settings from your email provider.
  2. Update Outlook: Make sure your Outlook application is up to date.
  3. Repair Outlook Profile
  4. Check Server Settings: Verify that your incoming (POP3) server settings are correct.
  5. Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily: Sometimes, antivirus or firewall settings can block Outlook from connecting to the server.
  6. Create a New Outlook Profile: Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles, and create a new profile. Add your email account to this new profile and see if the issue persists.

This link also contains troubleshooting steps: - Error occurs when you send or receive an email message in Outlook or Outlook Express - Microsoft Support

Note : Please understand that our initial reply may not always immediately resolve the issue. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

Please try these steps and let me know if the issue is resolved or if you need further assistance. If you do , I strongly recommend that you open a service request, the technical support there has more resources and permission than we do here in the community and then can collect the logs to investigate this issue from the back end and they can also go on remote session with you to navigate your set up Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn. This will be the most efficient way of handling your issue.

Thank you for your time and understanding. For other questions, feel free to add your post to the Microsoft Community.

SA