Schannel Error 36888

Getting the same error.  Just installed Trial Version of Outlook 2010 and noticed the message.

The error occurs when I allow Outlook to set up e-mail accounts on its own.  The first try is on a encrypted connection which fails, then the option to use an unencrypted connection succeeds.  The error happens during the encrypted attempts and occurs 3 times in succession.

My POP3 server just uses a password, so it seems the attempts to use a encrypted protocol is involved.  But maybe someone who understands more about how it works will know what type of scenarios might generate such an error.

Also I notice if I let Outlook set up the accounts, it will succeed using the incorrect server name.  Mine are pop-server instead of just pop, but Outlook sets it up anyway.  But e-mail access does not generate the error even using the wrong server name.

There are always more than one reason why a person may receive a error. If you are using 3rd party software that blocks IP's / ports you will receive this error possibly. My reasoning on this is due to the fact that I am not using Outlook nor Iexplore.exe (Internet Explorer) or Edge. In eventvwr.exe (Event Viewer) looking at the time stamp explained what the cause was due to my IP Block list program running at those times. When the program is active I would receive the Schannel Error - Event ID 36888. Possibly in your case that may have not been your cause. Make sure you do a accurate "process of elimination" when accessing your technical matters. Have a good one and I hope your case is resolved.

I have found the SCHANNEL error solution!.. Turn the laptop off and go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

I'm Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, thank you for the update.  I AM using BOTH Outlook (desktop) from Office 2010, AND IE11, however, I have no third party IP Blocking program installed anywhere- at least that I know of -no separate downloads for an such program.

I have added some IP addresses (all 0.0.0.0)/and Domain names to my hosts file that prevent my Hotmail account from signing me in to Messenger by default- I doubt that it is related, but it is one of the few changes I have made.

It sounds as if that is something you have downloaded and set up?  Or is it something that comes native with Win 8.1 and you have activated it?  To the best of my knowledge, the only thing I have that comes anywhere close is in IE11, blocking of cookies from certain web sites, but I do not think that is the same functionality you are describing.

My errors are intermittent and I have not received one in some time, so that adds to the mystery.  Perhaps an Update (I have seen some come thru that supposedly address similar SChannel errors) has corrected it.   I am continuing to monitor and report back when things go awry again.

Also, FYI, I have added a router to my existing configuration, maybe that is weeding out  (or hiding) the error?

Will continue to monitor.  Thank you so much for your input!

Best Regards,

ThatGirl

Schannel errors can also come from port scans.  We get these on our Server 2012 hosts when they conduct a port scan, after the port scan is completed they are stopped.  The connection attempts over a secure channel will happen with continued port scans.  Do not uncheck the TLS because you leave your system open for attack.