Telnet or PING
the mail server and determine if the
problem is with your Internet connection.

Experiencing problem
connecting to your (ISPs) mail server?

Problems with connecting to the mail server or receiving error such as “could not resolve host” or "550 access denied" error message from your mail client (Eudora, Netscape Communicator, Ms Outlook, etc.)--if you are using your own mail server program See: Mail Server FAQs

You can make use of Telnet (see below) or (see below using PING) the mail server and determine if the problem is with your Internet connection. Telnet are programs that allows a user to remotely login into a distant and remote computer site (usually a password and login ID is required).

When using telnet you will need to enter the mail server and its port number. Normally the default service ports for the SMTP, POP3, and IMAP4 mail servers are listed below. If your mail server uses other port number you will need to contact your ISP or IT system manager.

SMTP port 25

POP3 port 110

IMAP4 port 143

This how to connect to the mail server using telnet

Example:
Click >Start button and select >Run  >at the prompt: (key-in) telnet yourmaildomain.com port 25 Click OK <<to connect to the SMTP server

Example:
Click >Start button and select >Run >at the prompt: (key-in)
telnet yourmaildomain.com port 110 Click OK <<to connect to POP3

If the connection is successful, a response from the mail server will appear in the telnet window.

This how to connect to the mail server using PING
or download a freeware PING checking program

PING your server using Window's 2000,NT,XP
After you have logged on (online)
Click:
>Start >Run >Open >key-in: cmd.exe
>Click OK for the command prompt

PING - your server using Window's Win95,98,Me
After you have logged on (online)
Click:
>START  >PROGRAMS  >MS DOS prompt and type: -t follow by your ISP DNS (DNS domain name server) IP address.

Example:
ping -t 189.225.137.18
or you can also do this: ping -t www.your-isp.com