How do I set up and configure SQL Mail?

SQL Mail provides a way to send EMail from Micosoft SQL Server. The focus of this FAQ is configuration of SQL Mail. There are other ways to send Email from SQL Server. Links to articles about these alternatives to SQLMail are listed at the end of this FAQ.

This FAQ doesn't contain detailed instructions for configuring SQL Mail. Rather, the FAQ will list several valuable links where you can learn to configure SQL Mail.

SQL Books Online is a valuable resource and should be the first place you look for information about configuring SQL Mail. Here are the main links. Many of the pages referenced have additional links.

SQL Mail
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/adminsql/ad_1_server_8xf0.asp

An Introduction to SQL Mail and SQLAgentMail
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dnovba01/html/SQLServerE-mail.asp

Configuring SQL Mail
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/adminsql/ad_1_server_8xf0.asp

Configuring Mail Profiles
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/adminsql/ad_1_server_8xf0.asp

Of course, SQL Books Online doesn't contain all the troubleshooting and defect(bug) information. We can look to the Microsoft Knowledgebase for more help should we have difficulties.

INF: How to Configure SQL Mail
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=263556

INF: Frequently Asked Questions - SQL Server - SQL Mail
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=311231

INF: Common SQL Mail Problems
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=315886

How to: Troubleshoot SQL Mail with Microsoft Exchange Server
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=153159

After SQL Mail is configured, you'll learn how to use it.

Using SQL Mail Stored Procedures
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/adminsql/ad_1_server_8xf0.asp

Using Alternative Email Systems in SQL Server:

HOW TO: Send E-Mail Without Using SQL Mail in SQL Server
(Collaboration Data Objects (CDO) and SMTP)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=312839

Sending SMTP Mail using a Stored Procedure
http://www.sqlteam.com/item.asp?ItemID=5003

Building a Mail Queue System
http://www.sqlteam.com/item.asp?ItemID=5908

Please recommend additional links that you have found useful when configuring SQL Mail.