If the LISTSERV host is on the Internet, you can generally (try to) do a: TELNET hostname 25 (in LINE mode, not VTxxx or TN3270). You should be rewarded within one minute with a one-line banner. Your proper ressponse to that should be the single line command QUIT If you did not get the banner within that minute, you need to terminate the TELNET session (you should know how do that BEFORE you initiate the command). Not getting the banner probably means that the LISTSERV host isn't available for any one of a number of reasons -- some already enumerated. -- co-owner INFOSYS, TQM-L, CPARK-L, ERAPPA-L, JANITORS, LDBASE-L, et -L URL:mailto:[log in to unmask] "Kids: don't e-mail to strangers!"