SMTP: Break Absolute Option (-BT) Stops Gateway Immediately

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Mail Gateway to SMTP, version 3.0

When the Microsoft Mail Gateway to SMTP version 3.0 command line includes the -BThh:mm (Break Absolute Time) option switch, the program may stop immediately after it starts. This problem occurs when the specified tile is earlier than the current time on the system clock. This is not an error in the gateway program because the default absolute date is the current system date.

When you use the -BT option with the SMTP gateway, use the -BDmm-dd-yy option as well. Doing so allows the absolute break time to specify a time after midnight.

Note: The gateway does not break at the time specified in the -BT option; it breaks on the check for outgoing mail that follows the specified time. Use the -Wnnn (wait option) to specify the delay between checks for outgoing mail; the default wait period is 120 seconds (2 minutes).

Example

At 11:00 a.m. on January 14, 1993, you want to set the SMTP gateway to run until 1:00 a.m. on January 15, 1993. If you enter the following command, the gateway stops immediately because 1:00 a.m. on January 14, 1993 has already passed:

   SMTPGATE -DM -BT01:00

   SMTPGATE -DM -BT01:00 -BD01-15-93