I suspect it's the internet connection (or the ISP) in that place that is causing the problem.

We are also facing similar problem here in Micronesia.

Hope somebody "out there" can HELP!!!

One solution is to set up a webmail account that you use away from home. I used to have this problem, but when my internet provider (Earthlink) switched to authorized servers a year or two ago, the problem went away.

Thanks, I do have a webmail acct and that does work, It is just that I have my whole email filing system in outlook so any emails I send from the web are not included or backed up.

I encountered the same problem when going from South Africa to India. I solved it by getting a local ISP prepaid account, that cost very little and used the local outgoing server address to send my e-mail. You can also ask someone in the BVI what outgoing server they use and copy that. In South Africa everyone can use the local telecoms company general outgoing server, since all ISP's rent bandwidth from them. So for future reference, if you ever in South Africa, use smtp.saix.net as your outgoing server.

The problem is that when you try to send, the computer try to connect to the actual optonline.net server in NY through the local connection. Since it probably takes to long the sending times out, or you disconnect before the connection is completed.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. A couple of good ideas.

I had never heard of an isp prepaid acct. I'll look into that or to "borrow" somebody's local outgoing isp address and password. That's a good idea.

Do you know, I haven't seen it, if there is a place in outlook to extend the time before a time out? I know explorer has that feature.

I did find a place to extend the time before a timeout so I will try that. I won't be back in the BVIs till mid Oct. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again

Hello!

I encountered the same problem before. I think your Outlook connection is configured to connect to a POP server. Better to have a web based email address like, gmail, hotmail or yahoo, you can access your email anywhere as long as there is an internet line to your computer.

Thanks, I do have a webmail acct and that does work, It is just that I have my whole email filing system in outlook so any emails I send from the web are not included or backed up.

Hi,

You need to do one small setting, when you go out of town. Firstly go to outlook, click on TOOLS menu and click on EMail ACCOUNTS. Then TICK "View and change the existing acccout", CLICK ON NEXT.

CLICK on More Settings, IN outgoing Server UNTICK " My server requires Authentification" .

CLick on Ok.

Hi, Thanks, I checked that and it was unticked. I did find a place to extend the time before a timeout so I will try that. I won't be back in the BVIs till mid Oct. I'll let you know what I find.

I have had this problem for years, both with my @cox.net account and now with my @optonline.net account. The problem is that the local server you are logged into is blocking certain types of outgoing messages in order to prevent SPAM from being sent and tying up their servers. I have heard them refer to this process as "blocking port 25". I don't know what they mean by this, but the only workaround seems to be using the web based mail option. It is not as convenient as using Outlook but at least it works.

It is not only blocked outside the USA, but many corporations such as the one I work for also block outgoing Outlook messages.

Hi,

Port 25 is my outgoing port and it was the default port in setting up my email acct. Wouldn't everyone be using the same defauilt port and then have the same problem? Can this port be changed?

CC a copy to your web based and regular e-mail. Then transfer it to outlook when you get back home.

Actually I hadn't thought to do that. It's even easier than that. My webmail keeps a copy of sent mail...All I have to do is drag the items from my sent mail into my inbox and then let it download to my outlook. Good idea thanks.

Most of the ISPs do not allow SMTP "Relay-Srvice" unless you are connected thru that ISP dial-up or [broad-band service].

Check with your SMTP service provider (optonline.net) .

At least here in Pakistan it is so.

No ISP allows POP & SMTP unless you are connected thru their dial-upor "Relay-service"