This article covers email issues specific to Microsoft Outlook when used with A7 Host email services. Outlook behaves differently from other mail clients and is a frequent source of configuration-related issues.
Use this guide before opening a support ticket.
Client Area & Support
https://www.a7host.com/billing
Supported Outlook Versions
Supported with limitations
- Outlook 2016 (Autodiscover works)
- Outlook 2019
- Outlook 2021
- Outlook for Microsoft 365
Not supported
- Outlook.com webmail (Microsoft-hosted service, not a mail client)
Newer Outlook versions do not fully support Plesk Autodiscover and often require manual configuration.
Outlook Autodiscover Limitations
Modern Outlook versions route account setup through Microsoft proxy servers.
- Autodiscover may fail silently
- Outlook may force incorrect server settings
- Outlook may ignore valid DNS records
This behavior is expected and is not a server issue. Manual setup is often required.
Required Manual Settings for Outlook
Incoming mail (IMAP – recommended)
- Server: a7host.com
- Port: 993
- Encryption: SSL/TLS
- Username: full email address
- Password: email password
Incoming mail (POP3 – optional)
- Server: a7host.com
- Port: 995
- Encryption: SSL/TLS
- Username: full email address
- Password: email password
Outgoing mail (SMTP)
- Server: a7host.com
- Port: 465
- Encryption: SSL/TLS
- Authentication: required
- Username: full email address
- Password: email password
Do not use ports 25 or 587 unless explicitly instructed.
Issue 1: Outlook Keeps Asking for Password
Most common causes
- Username is not the full email address
- SMTP authentication is disabled
- Cached credentials stored in Windows
- Incorrect port or encryption
Steps to fix
- Confirm username is the full email address
- Enable SMTP authentication
- Remove saved credentials from Windows Credential Manager
- Restart Outlook after changes
If repeated prompts continue, remove and recreate the account.
Issue 2: Can Receive Email but Cannot Send
Common causes
- SMTP authentication disabled
- Incorrect SMTP port
- Outlook using different credentials for outgoing mail
Checklist
- SMTP authentication enabled
- SMTP port set to 465
- Encryption set to SSL/TLS
- Outgoing username matches incoming username
This issue is not caused by SPF, DKIM, or DMARC.
Issue 3: Can Send but Cannot Receive
Common causes
- Incorrect incoming port
- POP3 downloading mail to another device
- Firewall or antivirus interference
Checklist
- IMAP selected instead of POP3
- Incoming port set to 993
- SSL/TLS enabled
- Webmail checked to confirm messages exist
If messages appear in webmail but not Outlook, the issue is client-side.
Issue 4: Automatic Setup Fails
If automatic setup fails
- Cancel the setup completely
- Do not retry automatic setup
- Use manual account creation
Manual setup steps
- Select “Manual setup or additional server types”
- Choose IMAP
- Enter all server details manually
Repeated auto-setup attempts often lock Outlook into incorrect settings.
Issue 5: Certificate or Security Warning in Outlook
Common reasons
- DNS changes not fully propagated
- SSL recently enabled
- Incorrect server hostname
Resolution
- Ensure server is set to a7host.com
- Allow up to 24 hours after DNS or SSL changes
- Do not permanently accept certificate exceptions
If warnings persist beyond propagation time, contact support.
Issue 6: Outlook Sends but Emails Go to Spam
Important clarification
- Outlook does not control spam filtering
- Receiving mail providers decide inbox vs spam
Outlook-specific factors
- Empty subject lines
- Poor HTML formatting
- Excessive images or signatures
Required checks
- SPF configured correctly
- DKIM enabled and passing
- DMARC present
- Clean, professional email content
Spam placement is not an Outlook malfunction.
Issue 7: Outlook Worked Before but Stopped
Common triggers
- Password change
- Outlook update
- Windows update
- Domain renewal or DNS change
Resolution
- Re-enter the email password
- Verify server settings
- Remove and recreate the account if needed
Issue 8: Outlook Shows “Cannot Connect to Server”
Possible causes
- Incorrect port
- Firewall blocking SSL
- Antivirus email scanning interference
Actions
- Confirm ports 993 and 465 are used
- Temporarily disable email scanning in antivirus software
- Test connection from another network
If the issue affects all devices, contact support.
When to Contact Support
- Manual setup fails using correct settings
- Authentication fails across all devices
- Server connection errors persist
- SSL warnings remain after propagation
- Sending is blocked by policy errors
Support portal
https://www.a7host.com/billing
Information Support Will Need
- Outlook version
- Operating system version
- Exact error message
- Screenshots of server settings
- Whether the issue affects sending, receiving, or both
Best Practices for Outlook Users
- Use IMAP instead of POP3
- Avoid repeated automatic setup attempts
- Do not mix POP3 and IMAP on the same mailbox
- Keep Outlook updated
- Avoid bulk sending from Outlook on hosting email
