I am running Exchange 2003 w/SP2 when I use Telnet from outside machine "telenet(IP) 25" , I get blank black screen. nothing with 220 stuff If I do samething from the exchange server itself then I get 220 Ok stuff. Checked the firewall rules are fine. where should I be checking? Thanks for help mxarun

Hi, Try to disable the firewall and antivirus on the server and see if that solves the problem. Leif

Sounds like the firewall is proxying the connection, can you have it changed to pass through port 25 traffic. if you type "helo" and enter on the blank screen do you get anything back ? rich.

Or typing EHLO instead of HELO. Sometimes firewalls (especially the Cisco PIX) are configured to block outbound ESMTP.

thanks for the quick answer. whenever i do telnet (IP) 25 I get blank black screen, anything I type it goes back to prompt. any idea please? Thanks mxarun

Hi, You will have to check the firewall again - make sure that port 25 is allowed, that port 25 is directed to the exchange server and that the firewall does not do any "funny" smtp checking. Leif

check the smtp Virutal server setting on Access tab then connection make sure your source IP is listed there or accept from all if your source IP is not fixed