Workaround for transparent proxying

Many internet service providers (the list includes Virgin, Orange and AOL) have begun to use a process called transparent proxying to force you to use their own e-mail service. If you have your own POP3 account elsewhere and are accessing it from an e-mail program such as Microsoft Outlook, transparent proxying may prevent you from accessing it. The problem can be resolved by forcing your e-mail program to use port 250.

Microsoft Outlook Express / Windows Mail

  1. From the 'Tools' menu, click on 'Accounts'
  2. Double-click on your e-mail account from the list
  3. Click on the 'Advanced' tab
  4. In the 'Outgoing Mail (SMTP)' field, change the number from 25 to read 250

Microsoft Outlook 2003

  1. From the Tools menu select 'E-mail Accounts'
  2. Select 'View or change existing e-mail accounts' and click 'Next'
  3. Select the appropriate account from the list and click 'Change'
  4. Click on the 'More Settings...' button
  5. Select the 'Advanced' tab
  6. In the 'Outgoing Server (SMTP)' field, change the number from 25 to read 250
  7. Click 'OK', the 'More Settings' window will close
  8. Click 'Next', then 'Finish'

Apple Mail

  1. From the 'Apple' menu click on 'Preferences'
  2. Select 'Accounts'
  3. From the 'Account Information' screen, click on 'Server Settings'
  4. Amend the outgoing port from 25 to 250

Microsoft Entourage 2004 - Mac

  1. Click on the Tools menu and select accounts
  2. Select account to change and click edit
  3. Click on 'Click here for advanced sending options'
  4. Click 'override default smtp port' and enter 250 in the box
  5. Close the windows and click 'Send/Receive'