Make sure to use a unique name for the new account.

tried this...but the "incoming server" still exists, so it doesn't help

tried this...but the "incoming server" still exists, so it doesn't help

That would indicate you either need to rename the existing account or delete it.

Rename the existing email account on that vendor (cox) server? that isn't an option. i've tried renaming the email account in Tbird however the incoming server will still exist. I have a second email account on that vendor server which doesn't have any issues downloading; i have had both email accounts in Tbird for decades without issues.

it appears this problem has existed for several years. why hasn't it been resolved long before now???

it appears this problem has existed for several years. why hasn't it been resolved long before now???

Generally developers think the user is capable of working out that they are trying to add over again the account that is already there. That is something that should not be done in most circumstances.

Even in the case of Cox and their change to Yahoo, it is a rename of the existing server entry that is required, not a new account. Despite what the folk at yahoo continue to feed the unsuspecting. he next rash of issues on this forum will be folk that have deleted their POP mail account and lost their old mail.

Yahoo generally have a lot to answer for with their instructions. Verizon users are still fighting years down the track with the instructions issued for the AOL/Yahoo conversion. British telecom just dumped Yahoo and went back to supplying their own email, it went so well. And ATT still have not sorted their arrangements with Yahoo into a simple process for their users, forcing something called a mailkey instead of a password.