SMTP and AOL [Archive] - SpeedGuide.net Broadband Community

View Full Version : SMTP and AOL


ErikD
07-08-04, 02:40 PM
My ISP is AOL, and that pretty much can't change as it is the only way I can have cable access. It seems that AOL blocks me from using port 25, which I need to be able to send mail via SMTP for say Yahoo!, or my school account.

Calling AOL is pointless, as I tried and they denied that they blocked the port. However this is BS, as it is the only possible thing that is blocking me from using these accounts in Outlook. I have already checked, and double checked the router, modem, friewall, AV, and connection settings. The only thing left is that AOL blocks the port. Oh, and they just happen to use port 587 to connect to AOL mail, but it would just be a coincidence that AOL is using non-standard ports, and the standard one doesn't work.

I tried using their port to send my mail, but then I can't find the server, as I am pretty sure it rejects traffic on all but the standard POP and SMTP ports. Also tried using AOL's servers, but it does a check on email addresses to prevent me from using their server to send mail from an outside account. Any ideas on how I could get this to work?

At the moment I am just forwarding all emails to a Hotmail account, as many forums don't allow the use of Hotmail accounts. I would like to be able to use my accounts directly though, and not have to use Hotmail.

cyberskye
07-08-04, 02:57 PM
run a tracert to the smtp server you want to connect to. mail.school.edu or whatever.
you could also try to telnet to the mailserver on port 25.

I thought yahoo was webmail only - didn't realize you could use outlook.

ErikD
07-08-04, 03:05 PM
Running a tracert to the SMTP servers I see that all pass through an AOL proxy server. I would guess this is what is causing my problems when trying to access those servers through Outlook using standard SMTP on port 25. Now that I know this, what can I do about it?

Blisster
07-08-04, 04:09 PM
if you can get cable to your house, then you should be able to get it through someone other than AL. They don't own any cable circuits (AFAIK). I'd research who provides the broadband for them and see if you can get it directly from the provider.

Not exactly the answer you're looking for, I know, just trying to help.