BajaNomad

Outlook email issues in Baja

Santiago - 3-29-2011 at 06:28 AM

What was a mild irritant has turned into a big one; last trip this bug cost me over $5k so I've got to fix this.
I use a HP Netbook running XP with Outlook Express 6 email software. My buddy uses the full outlook version. We have the same problems:
1. Our Outlook programs will NEVER send an email in Baja. It often will not even connect and receive email.
2. On this last trip, we could log onto our ISP servers (Comcast) in Guerrero Negro and check our email but when we got to our camp in BOLA we could not even do that. The log-in page simply would not load completely, just the header and then a blank page.
3. As soon as we cross the border going north, bingo, everything works at whatever hotel we are staying at.
I've tried to figure out the setting but I don't see anything that looks related. Anyone figure this out?

bajabound2005 - 3-29-2011 at 06:32 AM

i've run into this problem before and I'm sure it's something to do with the outgoing server port number. you might need to change it when you are in Baja....but I don't know what to! I use 587 on gmail through outlook.

dtbushpilot - 3-29-2011 at 06:34 AM

I have the same problem with my new computer/ Outlook 2010, I can receive but not send. My old computer with Outlook 2000 works fine. I hope we can find a solution.

btw: My son's computer does the same thing...

Santiago - 3-29-2011 at 06:51 AM

OK: I found this on Comcast's website here. Still no answer as to why I can directly log into my email from Comcast's login page on their website.

BillP - 3-29-2011 at 06:57 AM

Have you tried Mozilla Thunderbird instead of Outlook?

gnukid - 3-29-2011 at 07:30 AM

In many cases your home ISP will not forward outgoing mail from another ISP, so if you are say passing by Cactus and logging in and try to mail via SMTP USA Comcast, the mail will not be sent to prevent spammers.

You can get around this by trying certain things, it may be possible to use a HTTPS mail server connection with authorization (to verify you are the valued customer) and you may also be able to change the PORT number in your advanced settings. Many common ports like 25 are blocked from mail forwarding to reduce spam. Experiment with doing a search for alternative PORTS to try, such as HTTPS check authorization and use PORT 587.

Here is an explanation

http://www.pdxtc.com/wpblog/technology-articles/cant-send-ma...

or

http://www.zdnet.com/news/comcast-takes-hard-line-against-sp...

Another simple alternative is to use a web based mail interface to your mail as opposed to outlook, like this.

https://login.comcast.net/login?s=wnamp&ts=149de1da

or configure outlook to use your alternative email accounts for outgoing mail, gmail etc...

Good luck

bajalou - 3-29-2011 at 07:33 AM

This is why I went to Yahoo Mail and Gmail a loooong time ago. It is the ISP based email that gets blocked.

larryC - 3-29-2011 at 07:39 AM

Jim
Not sure why you are having problems. I use Outlook 2007 from here in Bahia without problems, and Bayrunner (up in La Gringa) uses Outlook express. Just a guess but possibly it may have something to do with the modem you are accessing. I know Abraham still uses the old 480 Starband modem. Just my opinion but it seems that Starband is commiting less and less resourses to the part of the network that supports the 480's, I hear more and more complaints about 480 problems. Maybe that is the problem over there at Gecko. Next time you are here you are welcome to come over here and try your computer on my system and maybe determine if the problem might be with Abrahams 480. I have upgraded several systems to the Nova modem and the problems go away.
Hope thishelps,
Larry

stevelaubly - 3-29-2011 at 07:43 AM

I second Gmail...Always there, always works, and you can access all your stuff (email, calendar, and even photos and docs) from any computer anywhere...

Santiago - 3-29-2011 at 07:55 AM

Thanks Larry, will do. Have you heard anymore regarding the wifi from town? We get a good signal with the antenna I put up but it is password protected. I heard rumors that we may be able to buy a password.

BajaGringo - 3-29-2011 at 08:05 AM

I had the same problems in years past with Outlook and always had to fiddle with the SMTP port setting based on my location at the time. Ever since I changed to Mozilla Thunderbird the problems have gone away, no matter whee I have traveled to...

BajaNomad - 3-29-2011 at 08:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago

1. Our Outlook programs will NEVER send an email in Baja. It often will not even connect and receive email.
2. On this last trip, we could log onto our ISP servers (Comcast) in Guerrero Negro and check our email but when we got to our camp in BOLA we could not even do that. The log-in page simply would not load completely, just the header and then a blank page.


Many alluded to this in their replies above...

If you can receive, but not send using POP/SMTP client software (Outlook in this case) - especially if you're on an ISP that's not the one that provides your email service - it's likely that the ISP you're on is blocking port 25 SMTP traffic. That's the default port for SMTP - and it's been common for ISP's to block this port in an effort to prevent spam across their networks. You either have to use port 25 on an SMTP server provided by the ISP you're connecting through, or your email service provider needs to supply you with an alternate port to use as a work-around.

The following is from Comcast's website (but abbreviated by me):
Quote:

Configure <email> to Send and Receive E-mail While Traveling

When you are traveling and not on the Comcast High-Speed Internet network, you will need to make some minor adjustments to your <email> settings in order to send and receive e-mail.

Go to email setup - and double-check (and/or change) settings are the following when traveling:

Incoming (POP3) mail server: mail.comcast.net
Outgoing (SMTP) mail server: smtp.comcast.net

Click My server requires authentication and then click Settings. On the Outgoing Mail Server settings page, select Use same settings as my incoming mail server and then click OK.

On the Advanced tab, enter 465 in the Outgoing mail (SMTP) port number field and 995 in the Incoming mail (POP3) field. For both, click This server requires a secure connection (SSL).

Save your settings and return to the main Outlook window.

You should now be able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook when you are not on the Comcast High-Speed Internet network.





btw... if you can't send/receive, or much of anything else, it might just be a bad connection that's timing out altogether.

:)

-
Doug




[Edited on 3-29-2011 by BajaNomad]

BajaNomad - 3-29-2011 at 08:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad

On the Advanced tab, enter 465 in the Outgoing mail (SMTP) port number field and 995 in the Incoming mail (POP3) field. For both, click This server requires a secure connection (SSL).


btw... better to click the SSL box before you adjust the #'s. Sometimes clicking the box for SSL will change the #'s you put in. I think these are the default #'s though - which wouldn't be an issue.

larryC - 3-30-2011 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Thanks Larry, will do. Have you heard anymore regarding the wifi from town? We get a good signal with the antenna I put up but it is password protected. I heard rumors that we may be able to buy a password.


The only things I have heard about the system in town is from a few Mexicans that I have installed systems for and they would rather pay Starband prices than use the system in town. They say it does not work for them. This is from Martin, the guy who does backhoe work and from the people who own the La Hamacas hotel. Who knows it may get better in the future. Abraham would have a better feel for the situation than I would have.
Larry

mulegejim - 3-30-2011 at 08:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
This is why I went to Yahoo Mail and Gmail a loooong time ago. It is the ISP based email that gets blocked.


I agree - switch to Yahoo Mail or Gmail and I think you will be OK. Jim

Santiago - 3-31-2011 at 07:01 AM

I do have a Yahoo account and at the Santa Maria Hotel in SQ I sent an email with an very small Notepad attachment to what should have been a client. I closed the laptop and went to the bar. During the trip I checked my yahoo mail numerous times, sending and receiving many messages. When I got home to California, I opened up my laptop, logged into my yahoo account and "message sent" popped up. This message had never been sent, it was stuck in my Outbox until I logged on in USA. Effing unbelievable. Cost me $5k and I would like to know who I discuss this with.
I have "chatted" with the Yahoo folks who all seem amazed and have no explanation. I'm even willing to accept "Operator Error" if someone can tell me what the error was, other than making sure the message was sent before c-cktail #3.

BajaNomad - 3-31-2011 at 08:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
I do have a Yahoo account and... I sent an email with an very small Notepad attachment... When I got home to California, I... logged into my yahoo account and "message sent" popped up. This message... was stuck in my Outbox


There are two ways (or more?) to use a Yahoo or Gmail email inbox to send and receive messages. One is to "log in" via a web browser (HTTP access). Another is using email client software for POP/SMTP access.

The conflict in the message above is that you "logged into" your Yahoo account - indicating what seems to be web browser (HTTP) access - and refer to having an email stuck in your "Outbox". The problem is there is no Outbox in the HTTP interface. It either sends or it doesn't. If you went to do something else in Yahoo via HTTP (like send and receive more email), or you login and logout of your Yahoo account, you wouldn't THEN get a "message sent" communication on an earlier email. If you were using client software (like Outlook) for your Yahoo email - with this, there's definitely potential to have an outgoing message hung up in the outbox for any of a number of reasons.

Any chance it was your Outlook being used (for Yahoo, or your Comcast account) that you used for the message with the attachment? That would make the most sense if you did in fact (think you) sent something on the road - and it was eventually delivered days/weeks later.

-
Doug

btw... IMAP is another common protocol for email - and (in a semi-quick summary) is sort of a cross between HTTP and POP, with many of the benefits of both. Haven't looked recently and don't know (or remember) if this is an option with Gmail or SBC/Yahoo email though.

Cyanide41 - 3-31-2011 at 09:43 PM

Gnukid is right, ISPs block connections on port 25 outside of their own network. I would contact who ever your email provider is an ask if they have a secure server you can utilize (via ssl). You can also set up gmail to sent/receive for other addresses as well. For example I have 3 email addresses that I check by just logging into gmail.

Santiago - 4-1-2011 at 08:20 AM

I've done the g-mail thing even though Soulpatch recommended it. Normally, his recommendations, such as where/when to fish, are worthless. Must be the exception that proves the rule.:rolleyes:

[Edited on 4-1-2011 by Santiago]