Exchange Server 5.5 users may not be able to send e-mail messages by using the SMTP service (842241)

Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.

SYMPTOMS

When a user tries to send e-mail messages from a Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 computer that has AXENT Technologies Raptor Firewall software installed to a another user in another domain, the user may not be able to send e-mail messages.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur if the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Proxy service is enabled in the Raptor Firewall software. The SMTP Proxy service disables extended SMTP verbs such as EHLO, AUTH, and AUTH LOGIN. If the SMTP Proxy service is enabled in the firewall, the firewall also reduces the number of available SMTP commands to six or seven commands. Therefore, Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) users cannot send SMTP e-mail messages even if the client and the server are configured correctly. The firewall removes the AUTH commands from all e-mail messages.

WORKAROUND

Warning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

Note A firewall is designed to help protect your computer from attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses that use unsolicited incoming network traffic to attack your computer. Before you disable your firewall, you must disconnect your computer from all networks, including the Internet.

To work around this behavior, disable the SMTP Proxy service that is running in Raptor Firewall.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about how to enhance the security of e-mail messages by using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) service in Exchange Server 5.5, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/mailexch/excrelay.mspx

For additional information about Raptor Firewall, visit the following Symantec Web site:

http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/products/products.cfm?ProductID=47&EID=0

Note Raptor Firewall is now sold as Symantec Enterprise Firewall.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
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