The standard port used for SMTP connections is 25. Many a times your ISP (Internet service Provider) block this port and thats one of the most common reasons for not being able to send messages. Using an alternative SMTP port is highly recommended in this case.
How to check whether your ISP blocks port 25 ?
1. For Windows Operating System
Go to the start menu>>click on "Run" >> type CMD and press enter.
Black window will open. It is the called as "MS-DOS prompt" or "command prompt". Just type the following command in the command prompt window:
telnet my-domain-name.com 25
2. For Linux Operating System
You can open any of your favorite terminal emulator and execute the following command in order to telnet your website:
telnet my-domain-name.com 25
3. For Apple/Mac operating system
Mac OS is delivered with a preinstalled terminal emulator. The terminal is a tool which allows you to execute commands from the command line. The terminal is located under your Mac HD -> "Applications" directory -> Utilities sub-directory. When the window opens, you will see a command line with a flashing cursor on it so you can start typing right away. Just type the following command:
telnet my-domain-name.com 25
Results from the 25 port check
If the test is successful, you should receive a message similar to this one:
.220-server.hostname.com ESMTP Exim 4.63 #1 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:17:30 -0500
220-We do not authorize the use of this system to transport unsolicited,
220 and/or bulk e-mail
If you get a message saying that the connection is refused we recommend that you use the alternative port for your SMTP connection.
What is the alternative SMTP port and how to configure an email client to use it?
The reason why most ISPs block the default SMTP port 25 is because it is used for sending unsolicited emails.
eUKhost offers an alternative SMTP port for the convenience of customers.
The alternative SMTP port all eUKhost customers can use is 26.
If you wish to be able to use an alternative SMTP port, as well as have unlimited mail accounts and stable mail service, you may sign up for web hosting package at eUKhost. All our servers are using spam protection system which will ensure you will avoid the spam and at the same time never miss your important emails.
