How do I perform a telnet test?

To do a telnet test, through Microsoft Windows (98, 2000, XP...), please follow the steps below:

1. open a command window by clicking on the [Start] -> Programs->accessories -> MS-DOS Prompt. (aka: command prompt)
2. At the command prompt, enter:
   telnet smtp.yourdomain 25
3. A new window should soon pop up, and if the connection to our mail server is successful, you should soon see the following message:
   Trying 65.49.3.231...
   Connected to mx-2.azc.com (65.49.3.231).
   Escape character is '^]'.
   220 mx-2.azc.com ESMTP
   

   Note:If you cannot see your typing you will need to turn on the "local echo" in the telnet utility. To do this, press the [Cntl] and ] keys together to get to the Microsoft telnet] prompt, then enter set local_echo and hit the [Return] key. Once set, your input will be displayed on your screen as you type it.

   If the test reaches our mailserver, you're in good shape. Just enter QUIT to get out of the telnet test. Most likely one or more of your PC's settings have been changed without you knowing it. Just double check your settings. If your test is unsuccessful, or you get a connection failure message, please note down the message and contact us at: .

   Please note that for ISPs which enforce strict "port 25 blocking", then you will not be able to do the telnet test. You may also wish to consult with the technical support of your ISP to see if you can use their service and our mail service at the same time.

   The telnet test is described in more detail at http://www.samspade.org/d/relaytelnet.html. You can actually send a message to anyone through the telnet utility.

   Please note that the test by-passes possible bugs, configuration glitches of your email software, and glitches of your PC's operating system (e.g. corrupted Windows registry) So, if you can use the telnet test to send an outgoing test message, and the recpient gets the message, but you are still unable to send outgoing messages using your email program, double check your software's settings!.

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