SMTP Messages to AOL stuck in Queue from 1 Server

[Sweetworks]

I have 2 exchange 2000 Servers at 2 different sites with 2 different Domains.

When someone from site B sends a message to User@aol.com the message never arrives. I checked the Queue, and I see about 20 Messages stuck in there to AOL.

I send a message from Site A and it arives almost instantly.

I checked Open Relay Sites and Site B is not listed, and even if it was the messages would appear in a SPAM Mail folder.

I read some forums and set up a Connector called AOL.

I only chaged these settings.

Forward all mail using this connector to the following smart hosts: Exchange.SiteA.local

SiteB's Exchange Server in the Local Bridge Head

In Address Space Added SMTP: AOL.COM with a cost of 50.

I send messages from both sites
Now I see the SIte B's Queue is pointing to the New AOL Connector, and thier are no items in the Queue.

On Site A I see no Queue's with AOL.

No mail is received by the AOL account.

I went back and deleted the AOL Connector I just created,
Shortly thereafter All the mail started appearing Including messages from site B.

I then sent new messages from both sites and site B still
isn't received.

Suggestings? I've called AOL and all they siad was to check Receive mail from all senders, which I told the rep it didn't sound like ti would matter but that is all she could tell me to do.

 

[fs483]

Try connecting by Telnet to Aol's smtp and generate a an email through Telnet. I discovered through this method that AOL doesn't accept any emails from mail servers that don't have a PTR Record. After a PTR record was added, everything went through no problem.

 

[Sweetworks]

OK, I did a DNS lookup and determined the MX Records for AOL.
MAILIN-01.MX.AOL.COM to MAILIN-04.MX.AOL.COM

I telneted to all 4 and was able to connect.

They did say that they don't accept mail from servers with out the PTR Record.

I went to the DNS Server on the Exchange Server, and in the Forward Lookup Zone, I found my Zone, and I found the Exchange Server in the Zone. I clicked Properties, and checked Update Assoicated Pointer Record, then clicked OK.

I went to Reverese Lookup Zones and it listed my Subnet. I clicked on the Subnet and saw the FQDN for my Exchange Server..

What am I missing?

I don't have an internal MX Record in there for my Exchagne Server. Never Bothered as it wasn't a problem in the past. My external MX record is on my ISP's Name Servers, which points to my Firewall, which then redirects to my Exchange Server.

Suggestions... Am I missing something on the PTR record?

 

[fs483]

I had to ask my ISP to add a PTR record because I didn't host the DNS for my zone. To verify if you PTR record is valid, go to

http://www.dnsstuff.com,

then in the middle column, select the second field. Then type in your IP and see if it returns your PTR Record.

 

[Sweetworks]

I went to company that hosts my Records, and they said they can't insert a PTR Record.

I used the REVERSE DNS Lookup and it points to my ISP's Name Server.

I called my ISP, and they Directed me to send an e-mail request to thier DNS dept.

I'll hear back soon

 

[jovoian]

yep ISP needs your PTR for email its a way for them to stop spam emails