Can a router configuration stop Outlook getting to SMTP servers?

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lchiu7

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#27131 15-Oct-2008 15:19

Not sure where to post this question but will try here first.

Use Outlook 2007 for mail (hoth Exchange work based mail and SMTP/POP). To avoid having to change SMTP servers each time I connect to the Internet, I use my e-mail provider's SMTP servers in the Outlook configuration, setting Outlook to authenticate to the server before sending.

This is where the problem lies.

Without changing the Outlook settings, I can sometimes connect and sometimes not (Outlook cannot connect to your smtp server bla bla bla). It seems router specific viz.

At work we have a ADSL connection for testing (via Xtra). Connecting wirelessly to that box, I cannot send mail but can retrieve it

Sending mail works fine from Cafenet. Doesn't work in the AirNZ Koru Lounge and haven't tried yet in Wellington Airport.

Given I haven't changed any Outlook settings, I am guessing it must be router configuration but not sure what to ask folks to check.

Anybody with any experience in this area shed some light on it

Thanks

Larry

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geekiegeek

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#171310 15-Oct-2008 16:25

Could be that your mail host wont let you connect from another ISP connection. i.e. if you have .paradise.net.nz email you cant connect to it from an Xtra connection.

lchiu7

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#171318 15-Oct-2008 16:48

geekiegeek: Could be that your mail host wont let you connect from another ISP connection. i.e. if you have .paradise.net.nz email you cant connect to it from an Xtra connection.

If that were true then I would not be able to connect at all. But as noted I can connect using

1. Cafenet - guessing the ISP there is citylink
2. DUN over the Vodafone network (using a cellphone and 3G)

But I can't connect using our DSL modem at work (which is using Xtra) or Koru Club (presumbaly an AirNZ connection)

That's what it's a bit strange

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coffeebaron

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#171320 15-Oct-2008 16:50

Check that you are authenticating with the appropriate SMTP server. Also check that you are using an alternative port to #25 for SMTP server.
I have seen some firewalls block non standard ports, so yes this could be a possibility too.

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lchiu7

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#171327 15-Oct-2008 17:21

I am using standard ports for SMTP. I tried turning off Windows Firewall but that made no difference. Using the DSL connection or Cafenet I would not have thought there would be a firewall in the way. Yet one works, the other doesn't. That the puzzling issue.

And I know the SMTP server works since it both works on Cafenet and if I use a Vodafone DUN mobile Internet connection

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coffeebaron

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#171335 15-Oct-2008 18:53

lchiu7: I am using standard ports for SMTP. I tried turning off Windows Firewall but that made no difference. Using the DSL connection or Cafenet I would not have thought there would be a firewall in the way. Yet one works, the other doesn't. That the puzzling issue.

And I know the SMTP server works since it both works on Cafenet and if I use a Vodafone DUN mobile Internet connection

See if you can find an alternate port to #25 for SMTP server. It is very common for this to be blocked for non local SMTP traffic.

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lchiu7

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#171346 15-Oct-2008 19:55

Now that's a possibiilty. Xtra probably blocks 25 and who knows what Koru Club do. The e-mail provider I use also offers 587 as a port so will try that tomorrow when in the Koru Club :-)

Thanks

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wazzageek

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#171386 15-Oct-2008 23:10

Are you utilising SMTP / POP for the exchange based email? If that's the case, then I suggest that you investigat ethe possiblity of syncing back to exchange via the https that's available. (Exactly like windows mobile does it)

That's solved a number of my issues with differing LANs, as outbound mail goes back to the exchange server and out my exchange server mail handling ... much, much easier.

HTH.

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lchiu7

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#171431 16-Oct-2008 09:40

wazzageek: Are you utilising SMTP / POP for the exchange based email? If that's the case, then I suggest that you investigat ethe possiblity of syncing back to exchange via the https that's available. (Exactly like windows mobile does it)

That's solved a number of my issues with differing LANs, as outbound mail goes back to the exchange server and out my exchange server mail handling ... much, much easier.

HTH.

Not using SMTP/POP for Exchange based mail. But that works fine since I access work mail via Outlook http(s)

I want to access and send mail from my personal account when on the road and this uses SMTP/POP

But changing the port number for SMTP seemed to work - well at least it does in the Koru Lounge :-) Luckily my e-mail provider has an alternative port to use

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coffeebaron

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#171565 16-Oct-2008 15:33

lchiu7: But changing the port number for SMTP seemed to work - well at least it does in the Koru Lounge :-) Luckily my e-mail provider has an alternative port to use

Excellent, hope that solves if for you at the other locations too. Port 25 is increasingly blocked now by many ISP's (apart from their own SMTP servers of course). When setting up email hosting accounts, I stick to host providers such as net24.co.nz etc, who have full SMTP auth + alternative port to 25. Fixes a lot of hassles with on the go email.

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lchiu7

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#171599 16-Oct-2008 16:44

Thanksfor the tips. Luckily my e-mail provider and web hoster has an alternative SMTP port. Also I note gmail also uses a non standard port for SMTP so I could have used that also I guess.

This problem had been bugging me for ages - glad it's resolved now

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