ACCESSING COMPUSERVE CLASSIC E-MAIL
NEW:
- MIGRATION OF CLASSIC EMAIL:
The ISP function of Classic Compuserve
will not exist after June 30, 2009.
A new webmail service is available to provide continuity of email address.
Go to http://member.compuserve.com/mailcenter (scroll down to see login for transfer). Be careful about screen name etc. settings.
Once setup read the instructions at the right of the mail login entry box in http://webmail.compuserve.com, for various situations. There's also a link to an FAQ which includes a situation affecting those who get Classic email forwarded to CS2000.
Features include POP3/IMAP pull capability addition to the webmail interface,
details given under POP3 herein.
For Outlook pull you'll need to use the same "name" as for webmail login.
Beware that much of the information still in this page is obsolete as Compuserve Classic fades.
My purpose herein is to provide a conceptual understanding
of alternative ways of reading your classic Compuserve EMail,
to support strategic decisions on service and ID/passwords.
(I emphasize reading mail because you have options for out-
communications, but limited immediate control over incoming
communications as many people have your e-mail address but
do not know you are away from your home or office.)
Compuserve's wide network gives you access from your own
computer, or via friends with Compuserve accounts, when
travelling or moving. However, if you don't have such
computer access or are in a location without Compuserve
network access, you can still read your email from any
ISP account. The best method for you will depend in large
part on whether or not you have a computer under your control
that you you can install software on. Most methods require
switching to the "Newmail" version of your classic account.
Following the up-front summary, I begin with a basic review
of the types of email accounts offered by Compuserve.
CAUTION: I and others I know have tested only some of these
methods. Information from Compuserve/forums is often out of
date or contradictory. As Compuserve/AOL service evolves
functionality and offerings may change.
The latest version of this article is at:
http://keithsketchley.com/csmailac.txt.
Earlier versions have been placed in the library of the RV,
Communications, and Aviation forums of Compuserve.
You may contact Keith at keith@keithsketchley.com
NOTE for those with Compuserve 2000 service, which is really
AOL: You can read your mail from the primary email link on
http:/www.compuserve.com. Also, mail2web.com now supports
IMAP not just POP3.
TABLE of CONTENTS
SUMMARY
COMPUSERVE MAIL SYSTEMS
ACCESS TO CLASSIC MAIL
NOTES
1. ID & PASSWORD & ADDRESS
A. Classic Email
B. POP3
C. WebMail ** NEW INFO
D. CS2000
E. Virtual Key/RPA/SSI
F. TelNet
2. FORWARDING
3. SETTINGS
4. YABUTS
STORAGE
OLDER POP 3 METHOD
SENDING ADDRESS
WEBMAIL DETAILS
TRAPS
5. MISCELLANEOUS
6. INFO
SUMMARY
The POP 3 capability in Compuserve's classic "newmail" service
facilitates retrieval of mail using a webmail service, or non-
Compuserve mail software like Eudora, over any ISP connection.
Webmail does not require any local setup as all functions are
hosted on the web and use standard browswers from any ISP,
thus it is fully portable.
Using generic mail software requires some setup on each
computer and attention to whether or not mail is stored
locally. It is most useful for laptop users in locations
without good Compuserve dialup numbers, and people who spend
time at a location that can be setup for their account.
The alternative access methods involve additional passwords,
some require additional addresses, and security varies.
Guidance on coping with those complications is provided herein.
As well, you can use Compuserve software over a connection
to another ISP to reach your Compuserve account directly.
But that requires installing Compuserve software on the
computer in use.
COMPUSERVE MAIL SYSTEMS
Compuserve provides three mail systems for individual
customers:
- Classic mail
(In "old mail" and "newmail" versions. Newmail facilitates
POP3 access and sending attachments to the Internet, but
cannot be accessed by simple terminal software.)
- Compuserve WebMail (** DEFUNCT)
- Compuserve 2000
ACCESS TO CLASSIC MAIL (newmail version)
Basically you need:
- A connection to an ISP or Compuserve (such as dial-up access
or cable access, depending on the access method used).
- Software to read the mail, with necessary format & protocol.
- Access authorization (account, ID and passwords).
The methods of accessing the "newmail" system are:
- Traditional Compuserve-specific software using HMI, such
as WinCim and TapCIS, using regular dial-up access or
using that software over another ISP, OR
- POP3 access, such as:
- POP 3 capable mail software (such as Eudora or
Outlook) using any ISP, OR
- A webmail account that can access POP3, such as Compu-
serve WebMail (but defunct) or SquirrelMail from
WeDoHosting, from any computer & ISP, OR
- A simple web reading service like www.mail2web.com or
www.mailandnews.com or www.e-mailanywhere.com, OR
- TelNet capability using POP3.
("OldMail" can be accessed using a simple terminal program
on most computers, via dialup access to a Compuserve node, but
does not support POP3 access. I don't detail it herein, as it
may not exist now.)
NOTES:
1. ID & PASSWORD & ADDRESS
A. Classic Compuserve EMail,
Uses main Compuserve ID and password. It has the old numbered
address/ID, but "new" mail can also have an alphanumeric
alias (which can be changed but that will change your Home Page
if you've set up a website). You can choose which address
to show in mail headers, at GO MAILSET.
Which case to be used for the password (lower or upper) may in
practice vary with access method such as WinCIM or Networking in
Windows XP.
(Note the "csi.com" address format assigned to early users of
POP3 will be discontinued. I understand that mail sent to
csi.com is delivered to your compuserve.com mailbox.)
B. POP3 access
Uses a mail-only password, setup at GO NPX-92 or at
www.compuserve.com/communications|MySettings (requires VK to
set up via web page even though it is not needed to access mail
after).
(Some mail software can provide POP3 access without a mail-only
password by using your standard account ID and password, because
that mail software supports RPA or SSPI protocols providing the
equivalent of Virtual Key access. The POP3 mail password was
established so that your main password was not at risk of detection
over the less-secure path you probably want to use for POP mail.)
POP3 password format 8-24 characters, only letters & numbers
with at least one of each.
Note that sending mail over another ISP requires use of their
SMTP server name and a sender address in their domain. (But
you may have free choice of ReplyTo or From address, which
some mail software may reply to. Note that newer software and
webmail services usually facilitate automatic inclusion of a
"signature" block in which you could put a note asking people
to reply to your classic mail address.) Also, note that using
Compuserve _software_ over another ISP is using Compuserve's
mail system not the other ISP's mail system.
C. Compuserve WebMail (the original not Netscape/Yahoo etc.)
Uses a new account name and password:
[you cannot sign up for it any longer, and it is effectively
defunct as there are problems accessing existing accounts]
- a new mail address (name@cswebmail.com).
- this mail cannot be reached by POP3 access, or AFAIK any
access other than via a browser to its web page or by
forwarding it to another email account.
- account name and password can be same as some existing AOL-
based Compuserve features such as Instant Messenger or
CS2000, but not standard Classic Compuserve. (For WebMail
you set up an IM account but do not need IM sofware.)
- can be set to show any mail address as From, but will show
[youraccountname]@cswebmail.com as Sender.
- your mailbox will be deleted after 6 months of inactivity
(but your account may still be active, in which case you
can create a new mailbox (I haven't checked how that works;
since your mailbox address is tied to your user name and
I don't let mine lapse).
- it can be accessed via the Classic EMail link on
http://www.compuserve.com, or by Bookmarking/Favorites the
direct link that uses.
- you can use Compuserve WebMail to retrieve your Classic
Compuserve email. See Settings for POP3 in this article.
You need to think about and check the ID and password
you enter in Compuserve WebMail's External mail setup.
(The usual confusion as user ID being your name on Compu-
serve or your numeric ID - in which format?; your
password is your POP3 password set up from within
Compuserve Classic. But none of them your Compuserve
WebMail account info.)
NOTE: Compuserve Webmail has had serious problems for
so long that I judge it unusable. Refer to my file
CSCOPE.TXT or to
http://emailcom.forumscentral.com/cswebmail/
for info. Compuserve now offer only Netscape mail to
new users, in hopes of better control over quality of
the service).
I am being advised that Netscape mail does not support
POP3 but have not verified that. And Compuserve Technical
support, even at corporate, do not understand it.
D. CS2000
Is a new account name, password and address (name@csmail.com
or name@cs.com).
However, you may be able to use your WebMail or Instant
Messenger ID and password. CS2000 supports IMAP, which has
increasingly been supported in software and on the Internet,
not POP3, and it has web access through
www.compuserve.com at top right of the home page.
BTW, the version of CS2000 equivalent to AOL6 often causes
driver-hardware problems on the computer, so I suggest waiting
for a patch or later version before installing it.
E. Virtual Key software/RPA or SSPI support
Normally has a "watchword" in addition to your regular
Compuserve password & ID, perhaps to restrict access to its
settings on the computer you installed it on. It may be
limited to 16 characters.
VK protects your password in transmission, to validate your
identity to a site and checks that it is a secure site. Thus
you can access your Compuserve member data via the Internet
instead of only via a Compuserve dial-up connection. VK
cannot read mail by itself. It was required to access some
forums or info that are only in the the web view, but that
may have been changed so that Instant Messenger/ WebMail ID
can be used. See earlier info on use for POP3 email access
without mail-only password. Some non-CSI software includes
the functionality as RPA or SSPI (MSIE on Mac, and some POP3
mail programs such as Outlook or OE) and some non-CSI
websites use it.
F. TelNet
Uses your numeric or alias ID in Classic Compuserve
format, and your account password rather than your POP3 mail-
only password thus is not as secure as methods that use the
mail-only password.
** NEW **
Presumed to be defunct as Compuserve's separate non-web service
disappears.
2. FORWARDING/STORAGE
- ** NEW ** The advent of a new webmail service to support
broad access to Classic email has eliminated forwarding to a
CS 2000 account and eliminated forwarding from WebMail.
Old info follows here:
To a CS2000 account if you migrate your classic account to
CS2000 during the signup process (special request to
Compuserve needed to change back to keep it separate - but
you might be paying for two accounts that way).
- Compuserve WebMail can be set to forward its own mail to
external accounts including classic Compuserve, but cannot
forward POP3 mail. (Note that Compuserve WebMail is not POP3
or IMAP, so you can only read its mail by using it or setting
forwarding to another account.)
- you can leave mail on the POP3 server. (Limits of 250
messages & 30MB total, 10MB/ msg, duration may be only 45 days
(discarded on FIFO basis, read or unread).)
You need to set leaving mail on the server in the options of
the POP 3 access software you are using. (When not using your
own computer you need to leave mail on the server, save to
diskette, or forward it somewhere to keep it.)
(Technically there is only one mailbox per Classic account.
POP3 is just another way of looking in the mailbox - like
two windows into the same room.
Note also that two addresses can be used - the original
numeric address and the "alias" possible with NewMail.
(Double that if you count the address format (with comma
if numeric) used for sending from another Compuserve Classic
account and the @compuserve.com format (with period if
numeric) used from elsewhere.)
3. SETTINGS
** NEW ** See beginning for new situation with closing of Compuserve
as an ISP. Note the user name required for POP3 access. The new settings are:
BUT: is that correct? I doubt that you can send mail with a Compuserve address anymore, your current ISP should block sending of email from an address that is not hosted on their system. (You probably can set Reply To as your old Compuserve address, but that seems a waste.) You can send from your new Compuserve webmail account that you set up. See http://www.keithsketchley.com/cscope.txt for more information on the new webmail and IMAP/POP pull.
Old info follows here:
The standard Port Number for getting mail is 110.
The new POP3 server names are:
POP3: pop.compuserve.com
SMTP: name of the ISP's SMTP server you are using at the
time of sending mail (smtp.compuserve.com for Compuserve).
NNTP: news.compuserve.com
Server/DNS numbers are available in EM&C and Microsoft
Explorer forums, and in files on setting up DUN, such as
IEW98CIS.TXT.
4. YABUTS
A. STORAGE
Storage space on WebMail may be limited, thus of limited
use for receiving attachments. (In January 2000 it was
3 MB on Compuserve WebMail, may have gone to 6, but I have no idea what the new Webmail is.)
B. OLDER POP3 METHOD
An older version of POP3 access used different server names
and may not have facilitated a mail-only password. Users
should switch to the new one covered herein as the old one
will be discontinued.
C. WEBMAIL DETAILS
** NEW **
This describes the old WebMail service which no longer exists.
See beginning for new WebMail service to support access to Classic
email.
Many webmail services such as Compuserve WebMail, Yahoo and
HotMail can access classic mail using POP3. Some web accesses
cannot flag messages already read if you leave mail on the
server, so you'll see them all (Compuserve does not support
the LAST command). Apparently HotMail and Yahoo are eliminating
POP3 mail retrieval capability from their free service, wanting
to sell you Premium service. While Compuserve WebMail has
features lacking in classic Compuserve software, it is missing
other features you may be accustomed to, so take time to examine
its options for maximum accessibility.
I use the SquirrelMail option provided by the host of my own
domain, which works well to pull POP3 mail from Compuserve. I
have used www.mail2web.com, which seems to have a good
reputation - but don't try to delete mail from it as indexing
is not refreshed in their view.
As of May 1, 2002 Compuserve WebMail requires activity every
90 days or less to maintain the mailbox. (Apparently the WebMail
box as distinct from the Instant Messenger account you had
to first set up to get Compuserve WebMail. I am unsure of that
information, and caution that if you lose your email address in
the inactivity termination you may not be able to get that
nice easy address back for several months thus have to settle
for one of those messy AOL formats. (I think that your email
_account_ is your IM "screen name" so it should not be affected
by deletion of the mail_box_, but again note uncertainty in both
my knowledge and operation of the service by Compuserve's
contracted provider.)
The "show only new mail" feature of Compuserve Webmail's POP3
access feature had been broken for some time but then worked
again. (So if you are leaving email in the Classic account's
mail box you'd get it all every time you check it using
Compuserve Webmail.)
And if you get two copies of each External Mail message make
sure you have only one of your two Classic addresses set up
on External Mail - your numeric address and alpha address
(alias) are the same mailbox. I leave mail on the server (which
would also lead to even more copies if multiple requests were
in the que).
The problems in 2002 with access to External mail thus your
Classic Compuserve email using POP3 are also discussed at
http://www.keithsketchley.com./cscope.htm.
Given the problems with WebMail and Compuserve in general
problems I note the strategic advantages of having a
webmail account with a company other than the one providing
your regular email.
** NEW
I have given up hope that Compuserve WebMail will ever be
usable again. See earlier comment about a replacement.
D. OTHER
There may be other methods emerging, especially to include
wireless access. There are many webmail type services, some
with good capability of accessing all accounts and additional
interface methods such as limited use of voice telephone.
In all cases compatibility with your classic service and
dependability are key factors to evaluate before plunging.
As well, there are simple mail-access services. A popular
one that works is http://www.mail2web.com, using your POP3
mail password. You should be cautious about such services
- why are they offered? who are they? what is their track
record?
Note as well that DOSCIM is still usable. It fits on a single
disk and makes minimal changes to the host computer's setup.
So it is a simple low risk way to use someone else's computer
for a short time to have regular Compuserve mail capability.
E. SECURITY
Check security when you use an unknown computer. (I clear
page history, cookies and cache, and watch out for Save
Password selections being checked.)
My article COMSECUR.TXT provides tips.
F. RELIABILITY
Most newer access methods do not work as reliably as standard
Compuserve access, and may not work on some computers & ISPs.
Do use the buttons where provided rather than BACK in your
browser, and do log out when finished.
(See earlier notes re the effective demise of Compuserve Webmail.)
Some POP3 access may require your NewMail alias address, not
your original numbered address.
Beware that the combination of a slow ISP, such as CS2000,
and the slow Compuserve Webmail service, may time out before
it gets through to Webmail - and confuse you on what happened.
Some combinations of email software, virus scan software and
settings therein do not scan email in real-time. CS261 appears
to work with McAfee but OE requires certain settings in the
Norton Anti Virus 20001 scan software.
5. MISCELLANEOUS
A. FUTURE
Compuserve/AOL may change these parameters and capabilities
in the future. One technology worth watching is cellular
phones with the right capabilities in the phone and provider's
network.
B. OTHER OPERATING SYSTEMS
My knowledge is of using PCs, though much of this is generic.
At least some of these methods work with MACs and some PDAs,
especially the Palm. GO PALM for popular brands of PDAs - be
prepared for a whole new set of software flavors and trip-ups.
(Those with Treo devices should look on the Mindspring web site
to see if they can/will fix things for access to Compuserve
mail - unsure if that is only for CS2000 (AOL network) or
Classic Compuserve. )
C. BYOA
BYOA requires use of a different ISP, not Compuserve's dial-up
network, otherwise modest surcharges apply. You can use
Compuserve software, just as you would establish a DUN
connection to Compuserve as an ISP then use Compuserve software
over it as a standard winsock method, but instead over someone
else's Internet connection system.
For people carrying their own computer or PDA around, the
U$10./month 5-hour plan may be better than BYOA for email only,
depending on the current surcharges on BYOA (if it will even
connect that way anymore).
D. USING SOMEONE ELSE'S COMPUTER
Note that Windows 9x and NT/2000/XP provide for having
multiple users of a computer, each with their own settings
including mail and bookmarks. Some mail software, such as
Outlook Express, can handle multiple accounts and/or different
user identities and settings. (Compuserve software can be used
for different users, fairly easily - handy if your friends
are truly compatible (i.e. they are Compuserve members :-).
(Do make sure you and the friend keep track of whose account
is selected as active at any moment.)
I suggest you either leave mail on the Classic Compuserve
server for when you return to your own computer to download
it for filing, or figure out how to capture it on floppy
diskette in a way that you can transfer to your own computer
(most mail software uses proprietary message format, but you
can:
- copy the text into Windows Notepad and save to the floppy
(it may be awkward on secure computers but should be doable)
- with Compuserve software, SaveAs which will create a text
file with message content and some header information.
- with Compuserve software, use a Filing Cabinet export
utility from Compuserve to allow transfer to that software
on your own computer.
E. TELNET
(for regular POP3 mail (not the original separate one).
Establish Internet connection.
Under Windows 98SE o/s (do not include the < >):
Start|Run
once server responds as Ready, enter.
USER
PASS
(Press ENTER after each command-entry.)
See 1.F. above for ID and password.
Note you will see response from server but not an echo
of your input (more secure that way - you should check
that Terminal|Login is not turned on if you are not at
a trustworthy computer. Normally not case sensitive.
If you fail, you may have to close the Telnet window
and begin again. (I find Telnet awkward under Win98SE,
I do not have experience under other o/s or extra
software.)
These commands can then be used when logged in (# is
message number):
LIST, RETR# (retrieves message of that number),
TOP# nn (header & first nn lines of message, make
sure the space is there after #, normal info on msg
in LIST is negligible), DELE#, QUIT.
The message will be displayed in the same window which
may resize on retrieval. You can enlarge the window by
increasing the buffer (about 40 should fill the screen).
Edit|CopyAll facilitates pasting into Notepad or other
editor for better viewing and printing.
Mac is probably very similar as Telnet is simple.
F: INTERMEDIATE NETWORKS
Apparently different settings are needed to access
Compuserve's network in some locations.
In lists of access numbers, CPS is the regular Compuserve
network.
In Germany look for "Compuserve II" option under Network|
Preferences.
6. INFO
This guide covers basic options for remote access from
webmail type accounts:
http://www.forumscentral.com/email/remote.htm
For other subjects and extra info, get the FAQs from
www.compuserve.com/gateway/webmail
www.compuserve.com/communications
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Iain_Noble/compuser.htm
EMail&Communications forum on Compuserve
Of note are:
POPMAIL.PDF which covers POP3 access, including via WebMail
and popular email software.
WEBMAIL2.TXT is brief instructions.
WEBMAIL.EXE or .HTM provide illustrated instructions
WEBMAIL123.TXT is a user-written guide to WebMail & POP3.
POPTEL3.TXT covers TelNet access to POP3 mail.
POPTEL2.TXT covers TelNet access to old separate POP3 mail.
REMOTE.TXT briefly covers POP3 (either version) and TelNet.
POP3MAIL.DOC covers Outlook Express, typical for other SW.
POPTELM.TXT covers Outlook Express on Mac, not Telnet.
EMAILFAQ.HTM is a general guide ranging newbie to technical.
WEBINST.TXT from AVSIG's Library 1 covers AVSIG paid access.
http://www.forumscentral.com/email/remote.htm (remote access
including Web2Mail.com and setup of your Compuserve POP3
account)
http://www.compuserve.com/communications/open_relay.asp
addresses the need to use an ISP's sending address when
not directly using Compuserve Classic
GO PALM for information on accessing email via PDAs or cell
phones. (http://www.aol.com/anywhere/mobile/index.html for
accessing AOL from cell phone, thus perhaps also CS2000.)
WWW.COMPUSERVE.COM/BYOA explains Bring Your Own Access, and
provides instructions for using Compuserve software (WinCim
or CS software) to access your account via another ISP. (That
page is responding so slowly it is unaccessible.)
Web based sign up provides much more guidance than in the
Member help sections of the non-web view of Compuserve.
However, Virtual Key information on Compuserve is known to
be out of date in some aspects.
SEE CAUTION AT BEGINNING ABOUT TESTING & CURRENCY of INFO.
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Copyright Keith Sketchley 2011.08.02
Legalities detailed on http://www.keithsketchley.com/ apply.
Use of advice and information contained in this file is at your risk.
Latest version is available at http://www.keithsketchley.com/csmailac.txt
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