Hello all I'm probably barking up entirely the wrong tree here but it's worth a shot. I've been seeing too many 'hop count exceeded, possible mail loop' errors lately. A large number of our subscribers are missing out on posts because the torturous path of email through various SMTP servers triggers the error. In an effort to reduce this number I'm trying to find ways I can smooth list traffic through our own domain (which currently stands at 4-5 hops, depending on origin). We're using LISTSERV 1.8d on a Windows 2000 Server machine with the usual pointers to an external MTA. Now, I've read through the install guide and the online FAQ and they say the same thing: 'For Windows 9x & NT do not use an SMTP mailer on the same machine as LISTSERV.' Accoding to the online FAQ, "The reason for this is that, due to the lack of a true Internet mail API for Windows systems, the SMTPL.EXE "listener" requires exclusive access to the SMTP port for incoming mail." Purchasing LSMTP at this point is not an option. What I'd like to know is: 1. Does this still hold true for WIN2k? 2. What about configuring the machine so that SMTPL.EXE can have port 25 all to itself for incoming mail and the Microsoft SMTP service can use port 26? 3. Can LISTSERV hand off outgoing mail via port 26? I appreciate all comments. -- Chazzozz!! Michael Shannon Webmaster [log in to unmask] "Before you can grow old and wise you must first survive being young and stupid." - Ancient Proverb Note: Opinions expressed on this list are my own and do not reflect the views, opinions or position of my employer. If swallowed, seek medical advice.