Can't get Earthlink smtp server to come online in Mail client

Steven,

Run Connection Doctor and tell me what it reports for these two servers?

In the preferences, have you selected in Mail Preferences/Accounts/Account Information/the arrows beside the name of the Earthlink SMTP/choose Edit Server List/Advanced tab to Use Custom Port and entered 587?

Before doing anything destructive (we can protect your messages, but) do this: Create a New User Account, and as that New User try to set up this Earthlink account and test. If not familiar with setting up a New User Account, see:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8235.html

This will be a useful test, and obviously is not meant to suggest a permanent switch to the New User Account, but rather a test of all the factors outside your normal User Account. It would bypass any problems in the current User Account. Since this is a POP account, make sure to set to leave messages on the server after download. This will accomplish everything the Earthlink tech wanted you to do.

Ernie

If you remove Authentication by PW, the Port would have to be 25 -- 587 would require full authentication. I imagine it should be full PW authentication and 587 if they have told you that.

Have you tried with each possible form of Username that the server might need -- 1) that portion of the email address in front of the @; or 2) the entire email address entered as the Username?

Ernie

I wouldn't call it a false alarm. You just needed the ammo to press them to get it right! Did the Incoming require the full email address as Username, or only the SMTP?

Ernie