I suddenly am unable to retrieve my emails. I discussed this with my Internet provider, but still get an error message and can't access my emails. Any suggestions???

Question

I am unable to retrieve my emails since yesterday.  I called Time Warner Cable, my Internet provider, but they could not help me; they stated that the settings had changed, since they were upgrading.  I adjusted the settings, but still get an error message: 
          Alert
          There may be a problem with the mail server or network.  Verify the settings for account "Mail 1" or try again.
          The server returned the error:  The connection to the server "smtp.roadrunner.com" on port 110 timed out.
I changed the server, and the port, as Time Warner Cable tech rep recommended, but to no avail.  They recommended I delete my current email account and recreate it, but that I check with Apple first, because I might lose my contact list (and any email messages I'd previously saved!?).  They suggested Apple might be able to tell me how to not lose the contacts, emails, profile.
Any help would be appreciated. 

Answer 1

Hi, what Interface are you using, & which one are you checking?
Each Interface will have it's own settings.
Though all of these steps may or may not be needed, I'm including them all.
Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712
10.7 & 10.8…
System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.
10.5.x/10.6.x/10.7.x instructions...
System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.
The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.
10.4 instructions...
Is that Interface dragged to the top of Network>Show:>Network Port Configurations.
If using Wifi/Airport...
Instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.
For 10.5/10.6/10.7/10.8, System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
(There may be better or faster DNS numbers in your area, but these should be a good test).
Click OK.