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sysprogsonny's avatar
sysprogsonny
New Contributor
6 years ago

SMTP timeout

Getting timeout sending email: The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtp.cox.net timed out. Try again..

On two different computers. Both set to 465 SSL/TLS. Reset cable modem and all LAN switches. This was working until this morning.

PINGing smtp.cox.net. works.

Am I the only one?

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  • StephanieA's avatar
    StephanieA
    Former Moderator
    What type of devices are you using? Please log into your webmail account and send yourself a test email. Please let us know if you get an error message.

  • I resolved this (from my perspective) by releasing and renewing the DHCP IP on my cable modem (and getting a new IP). Not sure what will happen to anyone picking up that old IP.

    Original message stated something like 'connection refused - incorrect greeting'. Then after so many tries, the message changed to the 'timeout' message I complained about above (guessing it was because of some sort of anti-spam/hack blacklist from too many tries). I called support, went through the first level, was sort of coerced into getting premium support (though that person was competent and courteous). The next level said it was a known problem, that I would be added to the 'impacted' list, and to wait 24-48 hours for the resolution.

    This morning (about 72 hours later) we were getting the 'connection refused' message again so I did the release/renew IP thing. I wish I'd thought of trying that 5 days ago.

    Thanks for your attention!

  • ChrisL's avatar
    ChrisL
    Former Moderator

    @sysprogsonny

    If you haven't done so yet I'd suggest running a full virus scan to make sure there isn't malware contributing to the issue.  This should be done for all devices on your home network.