"550- This Domain is Blacklisted, Consult Your Postmaster" Error Message When Sending an E-mail Message to VT Mail Account

Article: vtkb2521.htm

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Last Updated: Mar 15, 2007

Question:

When I try to send a message to a VT Mail address, I receive the error message "550- This domain is blacklisted, consult your postmaster." What should I do?

Answer:

Contact 4Help by using the Help Request Form (http://4help.vt.edu/) or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357) and explain that you are receiving an error message stating that the domain is blacklisted when you send or receive VT Mail messages (@vt.edu). The domain or IP address either from which or through which you send mail may be blocked from sending or receiving messages to VT Mail addresses.

For Advanced Users:

The following is an example of the full error message:

Example: A message that you sent could not be delivered to one or more of its recipients. This is a permanent error. The following address(es) failed:
abcxyz@vt.edu
SMTP error from remote mailer after MAIL FROM::
host smtp.vt.edu [198.82.161.8]: 550- This domain is blacklisted, consult your postmaster.

There are two solutions you can try:

If you are using your VT Mail account (@vt.edu), you may also be using a different Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as Adelphia, NTC, or Verizon rather than Virginia Tech. If so, you must change your e-mail client configuration. To find out which Outgoing Mail Server you must use, refer to this list of Local Internet Service Providers (ISP) and SMTP Server Addresses (http://www.computing.vt.edu/email_and_calendaring/vt_mail/isp_smtp.html) for ISPs in the Blacksburg, Virginia area.
If your domain is not being blocked, it is possible that your ISP is. A reverse DNS pointer or use a mail relay will resolve the problem:
- If you are a general user, ask your mail or site administrator to set up the reverse DNS pointer or mail relay. If you are unsure of who your administrator is, refer to Local Internet Service Providers (ISP) and SMTP Server Addresses (http://www.computing.vt.edu/email_and_calendaring/vt_mail/isp_smtp.html).
- If you are a mail or site administrator, refer to Setting Up a Reverse DNS Pointer or Using a Mail Relay (http://answers.vt.edu/ask4help/email/vtkb2821.htm).

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