What is SMTP AUTH?

SMTP is the acronym for "Simple Mail Transfer Protocol", which is the standard that defines how email is sent (RFCs 821 & 822)
AUTH is short for "Authentication", as in usernames & passwords.

In practice, SMTP AUTH means that email users must be authenticated in order to send mail, and is a recently adopted feature of mail servers in response to the plethora of spam sent through so-called "Open Relays", that users are more accustomed to.

 

How does SMTP AUTH affect me?

Many email providers now refuse to connect to other email servers that are open relays (Despite the fact the "relay" may have never been used to send spam... guilty until proven innocent), so we need to close the relay in order to continue to deliver email in a timely and reliable manner. By closing the relay, you are prevented from sending email through our server, until you are authenticated.

We've configured our server to only send email via SMTP AUTH, so now you have to configure your email client to send your username and password whenever you need to send email. Most email clients now support this, although several do not (particularly "Claris Emailer").

 

How do I configure my email client for SMTP AUTH?

We know how frustrating it is to try to figure this out, so we've tried to do it for you. Pick your platform and email client and follow the instructions. Please note the exceptions for Earthlink users, Prodigy users, AOL Dial-Up users, Norton Anti-Virus users and Exchange server users below.

If your email client is not listed below, please refer to the online help in your program, or to your printed documentation. Also, it may help to look at some of the clients we DO have listed, as the context may help you understand your email client better.

  • Macintosh OS 7.x - 9.x
  • Windows 95/98/NT/2000
  • SMTP Auth for Older Mac Clients (e.g., Claris Emailer, Eudora Lite, etc.)
    • Baton Mail Baton Mail is an application that runs in the background and provides SMTP Auth functions for older email clients including "Claris Emailer, Eudora Lite, or just about any mail client older than the last year or two".
  • Other Email Clients
    • Click here for SMTP Auth instructions and resources using other email clients such as Netscape, Outlook 98, etc. This link also lists which email clients cannot use SMTP Auth.

Earthlink Users: If you are using Earthlink as your ISP, please note the following required changes in your SMTP outgoing email server settings. With other providers you may use our SMTP server (e.g., mail.domain.com). However, with Earthlink, you must use their SMTP server for all out-going email. For Earthlink, use the Earthlink SMTP server (smtp.earthlink.net) and DO NOT USE SMTP AUTHENTICATION (they do not require it).

Prodigy Users: If you are using Prodigy as your ISP, please note the following required changes in your SMTP outgoing email server settings. With other providers you may use our SMTP server (e.g., mail.domain.com). However, with Prodigy, you must use their SMTP server for all out-going email. For Prodigy, use the Prodigy SMTP server (smtp.prodigy.net) and DO NOT USE SMTP AUTHENTICATION (they do not require it).

AOL Users: If you are using AOL as your ISP, please note the following required changes in your SMTP outgoing email server settings. With other providers you may use our SMTP server (e.g., mail.domain.com). However, with AOL, all outgoing email is automatically routed through their SMTP servers regardless of the settings in your email client. Therefore, list your SMTP server as per the instructions above, but DO NOT USE SMTP AUTHENTICATION (they do not require it).

Juno and NetZero Users: If you are using Juno or NetZero as your ISP, please note the following required changes in your SMTP outgoing email server settings. With other providers you may use our SMTP server (e.g., mail.domain.com). However, with Juno and NetZero, you must use their SMTP server for all out-going email. For Juno, use the Juno SMTP server (smtp.juno.com). For NetZero, use the NetZero SMTP server (smtp.netzero.com).

MSN Users: If you are using MSN as your ISP, you will not be allowed to send email from your POP account (you will be able to receive your email). MSN requires that all email go through their SMTP server (smtp.email.msn.com) and "from" your MSN email account (e.g., user@msn.com). You may enter your POP email account as the "reply-to" address so that all replies are directed to your POP account.

Norton Anti-Virus Users: If you are using Norton Anti-Virus on your system, you must enter the username and password in the SMTP Authentication settings of your email program. In other words, you cannot use the "Use the same settings as the incoming mail server" option, you must use the "Login As" option and re-enter your username and password.

  • Disabling Email Protection
    1. Exit any email programs that may be running.
    2. Open Norton AntiVirus.
    3. Click Options.
    4. Click Email Protection.
    5. Uncheck all boxes in the Protected email clients box.
    6. Uncheck "Enable email protection." (NAV 2000 only).
    7. Click OK.

Exchange Servers: If you are running an exchange server that is not currently capable of using SMTP Auth, please contact us for other options (919-852-5262).