Q: Why can I not make outbound SMTP connections?
A: Some ISP's prevent their users from accessing "outside" SMTP servers using conventional e-mail programs like Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, Netscape. The error message will look like:
"Unable to connect to the server. (Account:'account', SMTP Server: 'mail.YOUR_DOMAIN.com', Error Number: '0x800ccc0e')."

To verify that your ISP closed SMTP connections (port 25) you need to "telnet" to SMTP server from the Command prompt (DOS prompt):

telnet mail.YOUR_DOMAIN.com 25

You will either receive SMTP server prompt, or "connection refused" message, or timeout.

In the case you receive "connection refused" message or timeout, you need to contact your ISP with the request to open port 25 in their firewall or proxy. Or, try using their SMTP server for your outbound mail connection.

In the case you receive SMTP server prompt, the problem is most likely in the e-mail program configuration. In this case you need to send us the exact error message. It will also be helpful if you make a screenshot of the problem and attach it to your message.

UCVHost knows of the following service providers who block outbound connections and require your use of their outbound SMTP server:

  1. Sympatico (Canada)
  2. Mindspring (Earthlink)
  3. MSN Internet Access

If you wish to include your provider in this list, please support deptt. and mention this article number.

Article ID: 647
Keywords: smtp problem connection refused telnet port 25