Problems sending mail from SBS2003 server

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mic_y

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Hi guys,

I recently installed an SBS2003 server on an ADSL line, and many of the emails that are sent to external domains keep failing, as the IP's seem to be blocked by SPAM filters. Now the ADSL line is on a dynamic IP, so I can't really unblock it by IP.

What I then tried to do was to relay all outgoing messages through the SAIX SMTP server (smtp.saix.net) but after that, many of the emails were coming back with errors 553 and 554, both relating to SMTP relay access denied.

I am at my wits end. Does anybody have a clue what I can do to get rid of the problem?
 
Yes, I am running exchange.

The ADSL account is from WebAfrica.

Any ideas?
 
I am no expert, but I do not think it is wise to run an SMTP server on a dynamic IP. Many receiving mail servers require a correct reverse lookup on your IP before they will accept mail ( spam prevention ), and in practical terms this would be very difficult on a dynamic IP. I would suggest getting an IS ADSL account with static IPs, and registering your domain's MX record to one of the static IPs, and asking IS to set up the reverse lookup their end, which they are happy to do normally.
 
ppip, theoretically it shouldnt be too difficult if all the mail is relayed via the hosting account SMTP servers(These require authentication) At least it shouldn't be, way I see it. Only problem is, after trying to do it for a couple of hours today, and following a couple of tutorials to the T, I still cant manage to get the exchange SMTP connector to properly auth with the hosting account SMTP server.

On the topic of static IP, how much extra would it cost and does WA have any static IP address accounts?
 
bekdik, already tried that one. I set up the exchange server to relay all outgoing mail through saix smtp server, but that didnt help, as many of the emails kept coming back with an error message saying "Relay Access Denied".

I think that this could be because the SAIX SMTP server has also been used to SPAM, since it doesnt require auth.
 
Ok, well today I finally managed to get the SMART HOST working via another SMTP server that requires authentication, but to no avail, it still bombs out, giving either Error 553 or 554 both complaining about Relay Access Denied with my the public IP addy of the server.

Please help somebody... I need ideas on stuff to try and get this working...
 
Its simple ..

You can configure exchange to send out mail using wither MX Direct or Smart Host

1. If u use Smart , use the correct SMTP Server.U getting relay access denied because u using an unauthorizated smtp server.Just phone Webafrica and ask them for the SMTP Server

2. If using MX Direct make sure u configure some reliable DNS Servers.I prefer this way
 
ubercal, the direct DNS setting is not really an option, due to the dynamic IP.

I have tried using an SMTP server that requires authentication, but it still gives the same Non-Delivery Report.

Thanks for the help though.

Any other ideas on what I can try?
 
mic_y u are wrong.Having a Dynamic IP has nothing to do with the DNS.I've currently running a test Exchange 2000 on IBurst with dynamic IP , and iam sending via smart and MX direct , and both work mine
 
STOP worring about the smtp authenication ..

1. Have you phone WebAFRICA yet ?
2. Have u asked them if their server requires SMTP Authenication ?

cheers
 
Ok, well I have tried using 2 SMTP servers: smtp.saix.net (open relay) and smtp.sovietaircharter.com (This one requires authentication. This smtp server is the one that is provided with the hosting account that we have with WebAfrica). With both, many emails keep coming back with error codes 553 and 554.

I have phoned WebAfrica, but they seem to be a bit clueless as to the problem, and so far I have had no luck with them. I will keep trying tomorrow, but in the mean time, if you have any other ideas, please feel free to give me a shout.
 
yeah I use google, and originally the emails from the exchange server were going into the spam folder.

I have not had time to play around with the settings today, but if it does work, are there any other DNS/MX/PTR setting that need to be set up? Also, whih SMTP server should I use, smtp.saix.net or smtp.sovietaircharter.com?
 
You should be using the smtp.sovietaircharter.com address. Do all the emails have @sovietaircharter.com from addresses?
 
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