Topic: email issues

[frankboomer]

Hi, all.  I am new to SME Server.  So far things are going fairly well but I am having trouble with email and webmail.
Here is the setup:
Linksys cable modem with Comcast service.
Netgear router connected to that.  All default settings: provides DHCP to local network, Ports 80, 443, 465, 993 are forwarded to the server.
SME Server set to server only.  Domain DNS server set to Internet DNS Servers.
Domain is registered.

Here's the rub.  A PC (XP or Vista or Linux) on the local network can ping the domain and see the dynamic IP address which is 174.56.124.5.  However, that same PC, when trying to log in as webmail, will ask for certificate exception then will not fully connect and times out.  Also that PC, using Thunderbird mail client, will not log in and also times out.

A PC outside the local network (using the hotspot on my Verizon phone) cannot ping the domain or its IP address but it can log in to webmail and can use Outlook Express to send and retrieve mail with IMAP.

I am at a loss.  I would really like all the PCs on the local network use IMAP but I cannot get them to connect.  What am I missing?

[cactus]

Since you are providing DHCP through your router, did you make sure to disable DHCP on your server?

My personal preference is to disable DHCP on the router and have SME Server provide DHCP.

Regarding outside access: is the DNS for your domain setup properly? Your domain and public IP number should be published in your providers DNS otherwise the internet does not know where to route the traffic for your domain.

[frankboomer]

Thanks.  DHCP is off on the server.  Outside the local network I can use the email client and webmail so it seems DNS is working.

[CharlieBrady]

Thanks.  DHCP is off on the server.

I agree with cactus' advice that you should disable DHCP on your router, and enable it on your server. You client machines will then get correct DNS and gateway settings from the server.

I think your problem is likely that your clients are trying to use the router's external address for webmail access, and port forwarding does not work correctly from inside your network. When SME server is providing DNS information, it will provide the internal IP address to your network clients.