Topic: Backup mail server?

[drfresh]

I have a problem with my ISP delivered backup mailserver.

I have the following MX record setup at my DNS provider (gratisdns.dk):

mydomain.dk mail.mydomain.dk 10
mydomain.dk backup-mx.post.tele.dk 20

But after my server has been down for some days, I see I haven't got my mails - and I know for sure there is some (alot) - that's been sent in that period. Normally mails arrives as they should when only the server is running. Is there somehting I should set up on my SME server?

My server i V 7.0.

[CharlieBrady]

I have a problem with my ISP delivered backup mailserver.

Then you need to talk to your ISP.

I'd advise you not to use a backup mailserver - they will make it more difficult for you to combat spam.

[drfresh]

But what do I do then to ensure that my mails are not lost if my mail  server is down? I suppose that's the purpose of the backup mail server?

[crazybob]

Here is a link that explains how to set up a backup mx server if you have another server somewhere you can use.

Bob

http://www.schirrms.net/sme/MXBackup.php

[drfresh]

I'm probably asking studpidly - but do I need that, when I have the one, that my ISP offers? or du I still need to set up something on my SME server?

[CharlieBrady]

But what do I do then to ensure that my mails are not lost if my mail  server is down?

Unless the sender's mail server is broken, it will keep trying to resend for about a week.

[wjhobbs]

I'd advise you not to use a backup mailserver - they will make it more difficult for you to combat spam.

Charlie,

Could you please explain why this is the case?

Thanks.

John

[rijelkentaurus]

MXLogic.com

They filter for spam and antivirus, and they also mailbag, so if your mailserver goes down they'll hold your mail until it can be delivered (automatically) and then deliver it.  If there is a major backlog, they'll trickle it out so they don't take down your mail server.

This is not practical for a very small operation, but as you approach 20+ users it's fine and affordable.  The price for a 50 client network I administer is less than $1/month per user.  That's pretty cheap.

My work uses them and I can say that I have seen MXLogic typically cut down on 95-98% of spam.  Yes, it's that good.

[drfresh]

Still I don't see an answer to my question: do I have to do anything on my side? Apart from setting the AX records - as I did - on the DNS.

I only use my SME mailserver for personal use, but it has lost network connection for some days while I've been away, and I see I haven't got any mails in from that period, apart from an automatic internal generated mail from clamav saying it couldn't upgrade.

The backup server is what my ISP says I have to setup. But I can't figure out what I have to setup in order to get my missing mails.

[crazybob]

I don't beleive you need to do anything on your side. From what you are saying, your ISP is providing you with the back up service. Somehow, the backup MX server has to be told to send the mail it receives to your server when it comes back up. This is something you need to discuss with your ISP.

Bob

[rijelkentaurus]

With MXLogic, you point your MX records to them, and they send it to your IP.  That's how it PROBABLY is with your ISP, but you do indeed need to discuss that with them.  It's probably a matter of logging in to your account and inputting the IP address/DNS name that you want the mail delivered to so they know where to send it.