I use Comcast as my server, Outlook Express and I do have Norton SW installed on my Toshiba laptop and desktop. Starting last night I could no longer send outgoing emails on my Comcast account. I got a 550 error message. I can still send outgoing mail while on a web site including www.comcast.net or using another email account (Gmail). But not with Comcast.

I called comcast and they said I was either a spammer and had been cut off for 48 hours or it was either an Outlook Express or Norton problem. Something is blocking my outgoing email.
I'm going to call Comcast again, but I don't expect much help. Does anyone have any idea what might be going on? If you do, please point me in the right direction.

Thanks so much.

BAD

This is the basic definition of a 550 error:

550 - Relaying not allowed

This error message is coming from the mail server, not from OE itself. It means that the SMTP (outgoing) mail server did not recognize you as an authorized user and so rejected your message. Most ISPs configure their SMTP servers to recognize only those whose IP address is on the accepted list, meaning that you are connected directly to that ISP. If you use multiple ISPs, you are likely to encounter this problem. The solution is to change the SMTP server for that mail account under Tools| Accounts| <account name> Properties| Servers.

Another possible reason for this error is anti-virus software that configures OE to use a local proxy for the SMTP server. Since scanning e-mail is not necessary to protect your computer, you should disable the e-mail scan in your anti-virus product, and then re-enter the correct name for your SMTP server.

jephree:

<550 - Relaying not allowed
If you use multiple ISPs, you are likely to encounter this problem. The solution is to change the SMTP server for that mail account under Tools| Accounts| <account name> Properties| Servers.>

It is now smtp.comcast.net, what do I change it to???? I thought the correct name was smtp.comcast.net.


<Another possible reason for this error is anti-virus software that configures OE to use a local proxy for the SMTP server. Since scanning e-mail is not necessary to protect your computer, you should disable the e-mail scan in your anti-virus product, and then re-enter the correct name for your SMTP server.[/QUOTE]>

I thought you scanned incoming email for viruses. Will I lose protection in disabling the e-mail scan?


Thanks very much for your help.

jephree:

Hi again. I did rewrite the smtp address and I disabled NSW. Didn't help. I've now talked to the help desk at Comcast, Outlook Express and Norton and no one seems to know what is going on. I tried using Thunderbird instead of OE, but I had the same problem. I guess I'll try uninstalling NSW. The Comcast rep did say an email could have corrupted OE. I've pretty much run out of ideas.

BAD

Problem solved. Suddenly my outgoing Comcast email works fine. When I talked to them yesterday, the rep said he would elevate my complaint (kick it upstairs). So either someone "upstairs" fixed it or Comcast actually turned our outgoing email off for 48 hours.

BAD

Thanks for the update.

I've been thinking of switching from BellSouth to Comcast but doubt that I will. I should just get rid of the TV too

But that being said the few connection problems that I have had with BellSouth always end up being their fault although it takes hours for them to figure it out.

When I have problems now I just unplug the modem and go away for an hour or so