Which SMTP port number to use

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob Wahlen
  • Start date Start date
B

Bob Wahlen

In Outlook 2000 the SMTP port number is 465.

In Outlook 2002 out of the box the SMTP port number is 898 If you install
Service Pack 1, the SMTP port number reverts to 465 Why?

What is correct SMTP port number for outlook 2003?

TIA

Bob
 
"Bob Wahlen" ([email protected]) said in
In Outlook 2000 the SMTP port number is 465.

In Outlook 2002 out of the box the SMTP port number is 898 If you
install Service Pack 1, the SMTP port number reverts to 465 Why?

What is correct SMTP port number for outlook 2003?

TIA

Bob
Click to expand...

The *standard* port for SMTP is 25. Any other port number is
non-standard. You will have to check with your ISP as to what is the
correct port number to use with their SMTP server. If SSL is used, a
non-standard port is usually employed, and your ISP will tell you what
ports to use.

If your e-mail address shown in the headers is correct and you are an
AOL user, you will have to use whatever AOL says to use. I believe they
just started providing IMAP and SMTP servers to their customers so they
don't need to suffer with AOL's software to support AOL's proprietary
IMAP-like mail protocol. Do a keyword search on "Open Mail Access".

If you are running local proxies that alter your e-mail configuration
then you'll have to tell us about them or contact that software
developer. For example, maybe it is an anti-virus program altering your
e-mail configuration because you have e-mail virus scanning enabled.
Could be you are running anti-spyware or other software that will alter
your e-mail settings.

Of course, announcing your unmunged AOL e-mail address in a freely
accessible public communications medium, like newsgroups, will
significantly up your chances to get more spam e-mails. Spammers use
bots to roam the newsgroups to harvest e-mail addresses.
 
AOLis SMTP port is 587.

Information on using AOL with Outlook is at
http://www.slipstick.com/addins/services/online.htm#aol - including the port
and server names for users who can set up the account themselves and a link
to Open Mail Access for those who need step-by-step instructions in setting
up the IMAP account.

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]
Author, Teach Yourself Outlook 2003 in 24 Hours
Coauthor, OneNote 2003 for Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)
Author, Google and Other Search Engines (Visual QuickStart Guide)
 
"Diane Poremsky [MVP]" ([email protected]) said in
AOLis SMTP port is 587.
Click to expand...

Even when they migrate to be more standard, they still manage to be
non-standard. That's why I mentioned doing the keyword search to see
what *AOL* says in accessing their servers.
 
It makes a lot of sense when you look at it another way... if they used the
standard port 25, many users could not access it using another service
provider, as many ISPs block access and require you to use their SMTP
server. This port allows any AOL user to connect using any service provider
and send mail via AOL's SMTP. While this mostly affects the users that have
another internet provider, it also affects travelers and there are a lot of
business people who stick with AOL because it has nationwide numbers, should
they need them.

I expect to see a lot more services offering alternate ports so their
subscribers can send mail using the same SMTP no matter how they connect to
the service.

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]
Author, Teach Yourself Outlook 2003 in 24 Hours
Coauthor, OneNote 2003 for Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)
Author, Google and Other Search Engines (Visual QuickStart Guide)
 
*Vanguard* said:
"Diane Poremsky [MVP]" ([email protected]) said in


Even when they migrate to be more standard, they still manage to be
non-standard.
Click to expand...

smtp.aol.com works just fine on port 25 as well. AOL recommends using port
587 because many providers -- AOL included -- block or otherwise restrict
outboind port 25 connections to prevent abuse.

Personally I think all Authenticated SMTP traffic should be available on a
port other than 25. It would make life a lot easier.
 
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