Computer question....

[Dottore]

This may be obscure - but any help is much appreciated.

We bought a couple new Apples for the oldies and had them installed today. Mom's works perfectly. Dad's works perfectly, EXCEPT he is unable to SEND e-mails (though he can receive them).

All ISP protocols have been entered correctly and confirmed (numerous times). Both computers run off a wireless (Lynksys) router. I'm assuming the router is not the problem because one computer works perfectly - and even the one that cannot send e-mails can receive them.

Even weirder, I can send e-mails on Dad's machine by doing this via the ISP's webmail feature - but not directly.

The ISP tech support guys are baffled - and I am at my wits end.

Can any of you guys point me in the right direction?

[slodave]

Even though its been checked and rechecked... Any off chance that the option to use outgoing server authentication is not checked (or vice versa)?

It's not weird that you can send via webmail... The handshakes are handled differently.

[kstar]

Yup, seems like an SMTP server setting!

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by slodave

Even though its been checked and rechecked... Any off chance that the option to use outgoing server authentication is not checked (or vice versa)?

I have checked and re-checked these protocols all evening. I am as close to certain as I can be that there are no errors in these. I have also compared them to the working computer, and they are identical except for names and passwords.

[kstar]

Are both machines using the same mail service provider?

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

Are both machines using the same mail service provider?

Yes. Same ISP. Same router. Same settings - except for user names and passwords.

[kstar]

For the heck if it, maybe try the working mail account info on the machine that can't send mail, and vice-versa.

FWIW.

[slodave]

I was thinking of that too. Have you checked for lint in the smtp port?

[kstar]

Also, are you using Apple's Mail.app?

If so, have you gone into the advanced SMTP settings? There are four different authentication protocols and a place to set a server port number and enable/disable SSL.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by slodave

I was thinking of that too. Have you checked for lint in the smtp port?

It may just need a port cleaning and some socket lube.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

For the heck if it, maybe try the working mail account info on the machine that can't send mail, and vice-versa.

FWIW.

I'll try this tomorrow. (I'm at home now.) What would this tell me if it works? Or doesn't?

[kstar]

Originally Posted by Dottore

I'll try this tomorrow. (I'm at home now.) What would this tell me if it works? Or doesn't?

It could mean the password and/or username for the SMTP server (send mail part) on the machine that is now not working is wrong.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by slodave

I was thinking of that too. Have you checked for lint in the smtp port?

at the risk of appearing a complete idiot - what/where is the smtp port?

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

It could mean the password and/or username for the SMTP server (send mail part) on the machine that is now not working is wrong.

but I double and triple checked these with the ISP tech support.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by Dottore

at the risk of appearing a complete idiot - what/where is the smtp port?

I think Dave is pulling your proxy.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by Dottore

at the risk of appearing a complete idiot - what/where is the smtp port?

It's still Friday.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

Also, are you using Apple's Mail.app?

If so, have you gone into the advanced SMTP settings? There are four different authentication protocols and a place to set a server port number and enable/disable SSL.

How about the above?

edit: Make sure the advanced settings are identical on both machines. If they are, I am stumped.

Stomachmonkey is an expert on the Mac stuff, so maybe he'll chime in!

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

It may just need a port cleaning and some socket lube.

feck me, I think I could use a port cleaning and some socket lube.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

Also, are you using Apple's Mail.app?

If so, have you gone into the advanced SMTP settings? There are four different authentication protocols and a place to set a server port number and enable/disable SSL.

Yes. I've been there. Talked it through with the tech support guy three times. He tells me its all kosher.

[kstar]

Try a hail mary; restart the machine and see what happens.

I am at the end of the road for my knowledge base.

Good luck!