N 7.0 Outgoing Server Email Problem

Hello Ramona!

It's been a little more than a year since I've been here -- hope all has gone well! I'm writing to make you aware of an issue with N 7.0 that i just experienced.

Earthlink is my ISP. Earlier this week, they informed users that changes were being implemented to their WebMail system and the outgoing server designation had to be changed in order to continue using WebMail. Like most users, I use another email application but wanted to maintain access to WebMail for the spam reporting capabilities it provides. Specifically, the change required was to enhance security by designating an authenticated server, and the outgoing server designation was to be changed from <smtp.earthlink.net> to <smtpauth.earthlink.net>. I made that change.

Several days later, I began to suspect that at least some of my sent email had not been received. I checked with a message to myself and did not receive that message. After some extensive discussions with Earthlink, it was determined that the server change was not necessary with Navigator. Unlike most other browsers, N 7.0 apparently does not have a means of designating an authenticated server. Changing the ouitgoing server designation back to <smtp.earthlink.net> resolved the problem and mail was sent properly again from that point forward.

N 7.0's functioning during this problem was a bigger issue. Messages sent during the time when the outgoing server was not recognized generated the usual mail progress box, indicated "Sending Mail ", and deposited a copy of the message in the Sent folder upon completion. I assumed the messages had been sent. None of those messages, however, were actually delivered to the addressees!

If I hadn't followed-up on an expected response via telephone, the problem would not have surfaced for quite a while. I wouold have had a real mess resulting from messages that were assumed to be sent over a period of time, but never actually went out. During the problem, the mail progress box never shifted from "Sending mail" to "Delivering Mail" (as it did before and does now). Frankly, I didn't notice that and there was no other indication whatsoever that the mail had not been delivered.

Clearly, the user should be explictly told when the outgoing server is not recognized and the mail should not be processed as though it had been sent. That omission may have been corrected in subsequent updates but at least 7.0 users should be aware.

Best regards,

 

Bob, there have been at least four updates since 7.0. 7.01, 7.02,7.1 and the present 7.2. I have no way of checking, since authentication is not required by the four ISPs which I use. But, do you have, in your outgoing mail, a setting for the new SMTP, including checking with username and password, and the same entry selected as your SMTP in the account server settings?
I will try to reproduce on my computer your conditions, though it may be difficult.

 

Hi Bob,

Thank you for updating us on the new authentication required by Earthlink. I'm glad that you were able to avoid ensuing problems with your follow up. Just think of the users that didn't, and what a headache they will have!

Good to see you around again!

Ramona

 

Westside:

There is no place in the Outgoing Server settings of N 7.0 to indicate password. Only username (email address) can be entered.

Ramona:

Nice to hear from you. Hope all is well!