Knowledgebase: Cloud VPS - Windows
Configure default virtual SMTP server on IIS
Posted by Helpdesk Admin on 20 April 2010 06:10 PM

If you want to send emails from your website, you can send them through the default virtual SMTP server built into IIS. This will allow you to queue messages to be sent either directly using DNS or to be routed through another server.If there is a connection issue, the messages will queue and retry like a normal mail server.

Configuring IIS for sending emails from your website

Ensure SMTP service is running:
  • In Programs->Administrative Tools->IIS Manager: check that there is no red-cross on "Default virtual SMTP server"
  • In Programs->Administrative Tools->Services: check that the service "Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)" is started and is set to "Automatic"
Configure Relay Restrictions:
  • In Programs->Administrative Tools->IIS Manager right-click on "Default virtual SMTP server" and select "Properties"
  • Click on Access tab, then Click "Relay". 
  • Ensure "Only the list below" is selected - DO NOT EVER Change this to "All except the list below".
  • Include 127.0.0.1 and the VPS IP address in the allowed relay list. Click OK.
Configure Connection Restrictions (to prevent other computers connecting).

In Programs->Administrative Tools->IIS Manager right-click on "Default virtual SMTP server" and select "Properties"
Click on Access Tab, then Click "Connection". 
Ensure "Only the list below" is selected.
Include 127.0.0.1 and the VPS IP address in the allowed relay list. 

You can test that the connection restrictions are set correctly using telnet:

On the VPS, go Start->Run and execute the command "telnet <vpsip> 25" (using the actual VPS IP Address of course). 
You should see the window open and a greeting message displayed from the server like "220 VPS-XXX ESMTP ..."
Repeat this command from another machine (like your own PC) - you should not see the greeting.



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