Interactive E-mail Troubleshooter

Step 3: Checking your e-mail configuration

If you are able to connect to the mail server using telnet on port 25 or 26, but still cannot send and/or receive e-mail, you should verify your e-mail client is properly configured. The following steps assume you are running a current version of Microsoft Outlook Express. For other e-mail software, please consult that software's documentation on mail configuration.

Generally -- For Advanced Users / Users of Software Other Than Outlook Express

You will want to ensure that your e-mail client is configured to connect to your specific mail server (generally your hostname with mail. appended to the beginning). The specific mail account you will want to access will generally be one previously created by you. If you are unsure if the actual e-mail account is properly set-up, please read this section.

Important Tip! When configuring your e-mail client, you can try appending, at the end of your username, @yourdomain.com.au (substituting for your specific domain). This often resolves many setup issues.

Specifically, in the case of Outlook Express
You should follow the steps in our Outlook Express Configuration Tutorial (in a new window).
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If you wish to conduct these steps manually, most of them are listed below:

1.) Launch Outlook Express
2.) When Outlook has started, click Tools.
3.) Choose Accounts.
4.) A pop-up box will be displayed that has multiple tabs. If the Mail tab is not selected, click on it.
5.) Depending on your e-mail configuration, you may have anywhere from one to several accounts listed. Locate the account whose configuration you are checking, and make sure it is selected.
6.) Click the Properties button.
7.) Another pop-up box will be displayed, showing the General configuration of the account. Ensure the box "Include this account when receiving mail or synchronizing" is checked. (If it is unchecked, click on it.)
8.) Click on the Servers tab.
9.) Under "Server Information," ensure that both the Incoming (POP3) and Outgoing (SMTP) servers are set to mail.yourdomainhere.com.au (substituting your domain where indicated)
10.) Under "Incoming Mail Server," ensure your Account Name is username@yourdomainhere.com.au (of course substituting the username to the username of the account in question, and substituting your domain where indicated). Make sure "Log on using Secure Password Authentication" is NOT checked.
11.) Ensure the correct password is in the Password box.
12.) Ensure the option "Remember Password" is checked. (If it is unchecked, you will generally want to click on it.)
13.) Ensure the option "My server requires authentication" is checked. If it is unchecked, click on it.
14.) Click the Settings button next to "My server requires authentication."
15.) Another pop-up box will be displayed, entitled "Outgoing Mail Server." Generally, you will want to "Use same settings as my incoming mail server"
16.) Click OK (or Close) to close each pop-up box. When you are returned to the Accounts pop-up box, click Close.

If your e-mail client is now working properly, you have conducted a successful re-configuration.

If you are still having difficulties sending or retrieving e-mail, click here.