"I have seen this error message regarding "unbalanced >" only from mail having to do with the internet node "loc.gov" Can anyone explain what it means? --Ralph Papakhian" 501 <@uga.cc.uga.edu:[log in to unmask]>... Unbalanced '<' The number is from RFC 822, I think, and explains a particular type of mistake encountered in handling the message, based on an attempt by the authors of the RFC to anticipate every possible error state and give it a description of some sort, as well as a reference number. In that RFC or previous ones - 819 or 821 - it is explained that part of the addressing paradigm is an agreement between mailable entities about the rules they will use in writing and rewriting one another's headers and addresses. One of these rules states that anything that is found between a '<' and a '>' is sacrosanct, not to be rewritten. How- -ever, given the nature of parsing mechanisms, a missing '<' or '>' can blow that whole scheme ... and this appears to be what happened. The mail administrator of the system needs to re-edit their configur- -ation file for their mailer ... These rules exist to expedite and regularize the process of moving email between domains and mailing systems, IE, regulate relationships between VMS tokens like ":" and UUCP tokens like "!" and Internet tokens like "@" and "." and IBM tokens like "_", so that they can peacefully coexist in a heterogenous email universe. I encourage everyone to get copies of RFCs 819, 821 and 822, and keep 'em in a binder atop your toilet for casual reading. It's deadly boring, but occasionally offers tidbits of useful information. ( Apologies to the authors of these and all other RFCs - keep up the good work, folks ! ) -- richard ===== -- richard childers [log in to unmask] 1 415 506 2411 oracle data center -- unix systems & network administration Klein flask for rent. Inquire within.