Outlook Classic does not accept mail account creation

Patricia Carla 15 Reputation points
2025-11-18T18:35:59.3166667+00:00

After installing Microsoft Office 2024 as a perpetual license on my brand new computer, I tried to add mail accounts to it. I successfully created one mail account with my email address of the Orange provider (<Mod remove PII> . I had not been able to create another mail account with my email address of the Free provider (******@free.fr).

I have selected the IMAP type of mail account creation process. I have tried the automatic way unsuccessfully. I then tried the manual way by entering the prot numbers and imap server and smtp server according the the credentials that work from another PC. It didn't work.

I then tried all the combination of port numbers and security flavors... but it did not work.

The problem is located in the SMTP parameter as the error code that I get is a SMTP 550 5.0.0.

Is there a global parameter that need to be change at the Outlook configuration somewhere to make it work ? if Yes what it is. This problem occurs in France with an OUTLOOK 2024 classic installed from a brand new Microsoft Office 2024 that is up to date to the latest level under a Windows 11 up to date too.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

3 answers

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  2. Harold Milan 17,600 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-18T19:35:38.2333333+00:00

    Hi Patricia,

    The SMTP 550 5.0.0 error indicates that the outgoing mail server is rejecting your messages. This usually happens because:

    Authentication settings for SMTP aren’t correct or missing.

    Security requirements differ between providers Free.fr may require specific ports or encryption settings.

    Some ISPs or mail providers block SMTP relay unless you’re on their network or using their recommended configuration. Outlook doesn’t have a single global parameter for SMTP it relies on account-specific settings. If your Orange account works but Free doesn’t, the issue is likely with Free’s SMTP requirements.

     

    What you can do is:

    Verify SMTP settings for Free.fr:

    SMTP server: smtp.free.fr

    Port: typically 465 SSL or 587 TLS.

    Authentication: use your full email address and password.

    Enable authentication for outgoing mail:

    In Outlook, go to Account Settings → More Settings → Outgoing Server.

    Check My outgoing server SMTP requires authentication” and select “Use same settings as my incoming mail server.

    Confirm encryption type:

    Under Advanced, ensure SSL/TLS is selected for SMTP.

    Test from Free’s webmail to confirm the account works, then retry in Outlook.

    Some providers require enabling SMTP in their online account settings check Free’s documentation for any restrictions.

     

    There’s no single global switch in Outlook for this it’s all about matching the provider’s exact requirements. Let me know how it goes, Happy to help!

     

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  3. AI answer

    2025-11-18T18:36:28.51+00:00

    To resolve the issue with adding your Free provider email account in Outlook 2024, particularly with the SMTP error code 550 5.0.0, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check SMTP Settings: Ensure that you are using the correct SMTP server address and port number for your Free provider email. Common SMTP settings for Free include:
      • SMTP Server: smtp.free.fr
      • Port: 587 (with STARTTLS) or 465 (with SSL/TLS)
      • Authentication: Make sure that your email address and password are correctly entered.
    2. Enable Authentication: In the account settings for your SMTP server, ensure that "My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication" is checked. This is often necessary for sending emails.
    3. Firewall/Antivirus Settings: Check if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the SMTP port. You may need to create an exception for Outlook or the specific port you are using.
    4. Test on Another Network: If possible, try connecting to a different network (like a mobile hotspot) to see if the issue persists. Sometimes, ISP restrictions can cause issues with certain ports.
    5. Contact Your Email Provider: If you continue to experience issues, it may be helpful to contact your email provider's support for assistance, as they may have specific settings or restrictions in place.

    There is no global parameter in Outlook that universally resolves SMTP issues, as these are often dependent on the email provider's settings and requirements.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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