SMTP: Err Msg: Warning SMTP Output Retry Count Exceeded...

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Mail Gateway to SMTP, version 3.0

SYMPTOMS

The following error message sometimes appears in the SMTPGATE.LOG file:

   Warning SMTP output retry count exceeded saving to m:\SMTP\outbad.api

CAUSE

Once an outgoing message is detected by the Microsoft Mail Gateway to SMTP, the gateway then tries to connect to the UNIX Smarthost to send the message. By default, the gateway will try 180 times before timing out. Once it has timed out, it will write the above error message into the SMTPGATE.LOG file. Then it will save the message in the M:\SMTP\OUTBAD.API file.

RESOLUTION

This error usually indicates that there is something wrong with either the network or the UNIX Smarthost. Use a Ping or Telnet command to ensure that the UNIX Smarthost is up and running. Also check that the SMTP Deamon is running on the UNIX Smarthost. If the error occurs frequently, check the network with a protocol analyzer.

MORE INFORMATION

You can use the -Q command-line option to change the default of 180 times that the gateway will try to connect to the UNIX Smarthost. For more information on the -Q option, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q99718
   TITLE     : SMTP: Determining Total Time-Out Period with -Q and -W