Gmail IMAP Setup for Windows Vista Mail - Guide
Connecting Gmail to Windows Vista Mail
Previously, we demonstrated how to integrate Gmail with Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and KMail utilizing IMAP support. Now, let's explore configuring it with the native mail client in Windows Vista.
The Windows Vista Mail application proves to be a surprisingly effective tool. While it may lack the extensive features and expandability of others, it delivers commendable performance and boasts a visually appealing interface.
Enabling IMAP in Gmail
First, ensure IMAP is activated within your Gmail settings. Navigate to the settings page and select 'Forwarding and POP/IMAP', then choose to 'Enable IMAP'.
Adding the Gmail Account in Windows Mail
Open Windows Mail and access 'Tools \ Accounts' from the menu. Subsequently, click the 'Add' button to initiate the account setup process.
Select 'E-mail account' and proceed to the next screen.
Enter your desired name for the account.
Input your Gmail email address. Note that the address may not end in @gmail.com if you're utilizing Gmail with a custom domain.
Configuring Server Settings
On the subsequent wizard page, choose 'IMAP' from the drop-down menu and enter the following server details:
- Incoming Server: imap.gmail.com
- Outgoing Server: smtp.gmail.com
- Check "Outgoing server requires authentication"
For users outside the US, consider using imap.googlemail.com and smtp.googlemail.com instead.
Enter your Gmail email address and password on the next screen.
Crucially, check the box labeled "Do not download my e-mail and folders at this time".
Click 'Finish' to return to the Internet Accounts dialog, then select your new account and click 'Properties'.
Advanced Settings
On the 'Advanced' tab, ensure both options for "This server requires a secure connection(SSL)" are checked. Verify the ports are set as follows:
- Outgoing mail (SMTP): 587
- Incoming mail (IMAP): 993
Navigate to the 'IMAP' tab and uncheck the box for "Store special folders on IMAP server".
Important Consideration: If you deselect this checkbox, you may experience duplicated sent items and archived deleted/junk mail. Alternatively, if you utilize Gmail labels, you could enter '[Gmail]' as the root folder path and adjust the special folder values accordingly. However, note that Windows Mail does not support "\" or "/" characters in folder names.
Optimizing Folder Synchronization
Before initiating sending/receiving, adjust the folder settings within the 'imap.gmail.com' section in the left pane to minimize download size:
- Uncheck [Gmail]
- Uncheck [Spam]
- Consider unchecking [All Mail] if you have a large number of messages
- Set all other folders to "Headers only". (You can leave Inbox set to All if desired)
Now, click the 'Send/Receive' button to begin synchronization.
Managing Folders and Labels
Gmail labels are represented as folders within Windows Mail. Create new folders by right-clicking on 'imap.gmail.com' and selecting 'New Folder'.
Subfolders can also be created, appearing in Gmail as "TestLabel/Subfolder!" in this example.
Dragging a message to a folder will assign the corresponding label in Gmail.
Deleting and Marking Spam
To truly delete a message from Gmail, drag it to the '[Gmail] \ Trash' folder. Simply deleting it in Windows Mail only archives it.
To mark a message as spam in Gmail, drag it to the '[Gmail] \ Spam' folder. Otherwise, it will be archived in 'All Mail'.
Utilizing Conversation View
Emulate Gmail's conversation view in Windows Mail by navigating to 'View \ Current View \ Group Messages by Conversation'.
While the threaded view is helpful, replies may not be displayed in the same manner as in Gmail.
Starring Messages
To star a message in Gmail, click 'Flag' in Windows Mail.
This functionality is bidirectional.
Conclusion
The setup is now complete. Windows Mail appears to offer excellent performance compared to other clients tested. While it may not be as fully integrated as Thunderbird, it provides a highly usable experience.
