ISP blocks port 25--Can't send emails thru Outlook

[james8547]

I recently transferred to Optimum Online Cable. They block port 25, which I need to use in order to send emails using my webhost's smtp server. I use MS Outlook 2003. I found 2 solutions (from google):

1. Upgrade to a business account (they don't block port 25 with business accounts). This is not going to happen because I can't afford to shell out the extra cash.

2. Configure MS Outlook 2003 by checking "My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication" and select "Log on using..." However, I am a bit confused with this. Does this mean I have to set up an Optimum Online email account, and then use the log-in info? So basically, what would happen is that the emails I sent would be bounced off Optimum's SMTP to my webhost's SMTP? Or my SMTP would be Optimum's?

I hope I made sense. SMTP and ports are cloudy subjects to me, just like voodoo.

Thanks,
James

[james8547]

Nevermind, I figured it out. Doh!

Anyways, I configured Outlook just as stated above. But first, I had to create an Optimum Online email account. Then I had to change my SMTP host to mail.optonline.net, instead of using my webhost.

It works like it did before. I guess it's even better since I save my webhost bandwidth by using my ISP instead every time I send an email.

[mairving]

Most ISP's have been blocking 25 outgoing for awhile since they don't want to be a conduit for spam. Just have to send out through their server is all.

[Stuey]

You can use any email provider you want. With the exception of gmail, everytime I change locations (from home to grad school ISP) I have to change my smtp server to match the ISP I'm using.

In other words, don't drop the email account you were using since you just need to use OptOnline's smtp server which is no biggie.

[glc]

The ideal solution is see if your webhost offers a secure SMTP server on port 587. Nobody blocks those yet.

[faulkner132]

I would say keep using your ISP's SMTP. That's what I tell all our people who are in the field. This way we/your host can close any relaying for outside IP's which practically eliminates them using the web server as a spam-sender... even if they somehow have a login.

It also saves you some bandwidth if your host monitors email.

[SoloSEO]

James, one additional concern. Your ISP may have a daily limit, like mine has a cap of 1000. If you have a list in excess of your limit you can split the list and mail over multiple days.