Bulk email doesn't work with webhost SMTP

[jonathan]

Hi, we are using PowerChurch Online. This works OK when we use our ISPs SMTP server, but we'd like to use our webhost's SMTP server. We transfer over the settings that work fine in Outlook, Thunderbird, etc. including port numbers and we keep getting the following error when we test the settings:

"Could not establish a TCP/IP connection with the server; [W/32:0x0000274c:A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.]

A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond."

Does PowerChurch Online send messages from the local software or do emails originate from PowerChurch servers?

What could cause a TCP/IP connection to fail? It seems like it can't even connect to the server rather than being an authentication problem.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[NeilZ]

Hi, we are using PowerChurch Online. This works OK when we use our ISPs SMTP server, but we'd like to use our webhost's SMTP server. We transfer over the settings that work fine in Outlook, Thunderbird, etc. including port numbers and we keep getting the following error when we test the settings:

"Could not establish a TCP/IP connection with the server; [W/32:0x0000274c:A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.]

A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond."

Does PowerChurch Online send messages from the local software or do emails originate from PowerChurch servers?

What could cause a TCP/IP connection to fail? It seems like it can't even connect to the server rather than being an authentication problem.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Not an expert on PCPlus Online, but

I'm fairly sure that PCPlus Online sends out its emails from the hosting server, you may need to adjust for your webhost's SSL settings, special SMTP port, etc. I would check with your hosting company to get any specifics that would allow their SMTP server to be used as a 'relay' from another webhost.

[jonathan]

Does anyone know what IP address PowerChurch Online uses to send out email? I'm trying to find out if my webhost somehow blocks their IP.

-Jonathan

[Zaphod]

All of the public-facing IP addresses associated with PowerChurch Online are in the format: 72.250.241.*

I'm not sure how helpful that's going to be though. Usually, when we see a problem like this, it's the exact opposite - the ISP is locked down but the webhost is fine. ISPs sometimes assume that if you're using their relays, you're inside their network, and they secure their servers accordingly. Webhosts can't make that assumption, because you usually are not on their network.

If you're using a port other than port 25, you'll need to specify it as such: mail.server.com:1234 (where 1234 is the port number). If that address is malformed, that could result in what you're seeing.

You might want to talk to a technician here to help troubleshoot your issue. We're available 9am - 6pm Monday - Friday at (800) 486-1800.