Trouble with smtp

[dlh1457]

I am setting up a server with 2000 server and going to host web sites. Having a problem with emails, we are going to use exchange server. We are sending test text messages thru the pickup folder in IIS and they just sit in the queue folder. Need to know if anybody can help me set the server up using the ISP as a gateway and our own dhcp instead of theirs. Thanks in advance for any help, will gladly provide any more info that you need just ask. thanks again.

dlh

[Carla Schroder]

Ok, these kinds of questions scare me, because it sounds like you're not very experienced, and you want to do Web hosting, is that correct? What reference books do you have, and do you have the Exchange 2000 Server Resource Kit, and the Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit? MS server admins should always get the resource kits.

Which version of Exchange are you using? Does your server have a routable public IP address, or is it on DHCP? A common cause of the problem you're describing is because of address and domain mis-configurations. What are you using for your name services?

[dlh1457]

You are right, I am not very experienced and would very much appreciate any help I can get to set this up. It is a ministry of ours and we are hosting sites for other ministries. Is there any way that you could help out with this??

[Carla Schroder]

What you are asking is not a simple task with a simple answer. Running servers and hosting websites are complex tasks that require actual skills and knowledge. The Internet is already massively infested with problems caused by inexperienced network and system administrators. If you're going to run these yourself, you need to get training, and to practice on a non-Internet connected network before you go live. Some of the issues you're facing are:

-Physical security
-User management
-Remote security
-Planning for hardware and power failures
-Getting your name services on track
-Keeping your users from harming other users
-Having adequate bandwidth
-Performance tuning

You need the Server Resource Kits I already mentioned. You need basic reference books like the 'Windows Server Cookbook for Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000' and 'Active Directory, 3rd Edition'. You didn't say what version of Exchange you have, so I'll leave it to you to find the appropriate texts. You should also research Microsoft DNS.

If you want coaching I strongly recommend that you find someone who can visit your site and meet with you face-to-face.

I'm all for computer users boldly going forth and learning new things- but it's important to minimize the collateral damage as you learn and get up to speed.