HELP! "smtp" password problem

Question

hi -
i am trying to set up my mail account - i have had my new ibook since the beginning of the semester and have been very happy - but recently decided to shift from my university's clunky email program to mail.
apple, apparently, does not want me. i constantly get prompted for my "smtp" password, which it then tells me is wrong. i've changed my password back and forth to make sure that i am entering the right thing, but to no avail. i feel like ripping my hair out.
does anyone have any ideas?
thanks so much.

Answer 1

My memory does not extend back as far as 10.2 (Jaguar) under what is possible with Mail. I am surprised to hear that you are in the U.K., and you are still using "smtp.*****.com" on your outgoing smtp-settings under your Mail program's Preferences. If my memory serves me correctly, it should be something like "smtp.*****.co.uk" .
Also, a firewall "blocks" most TCP port-numbers from any data getting-in-or-out (either good or bad). With networks, your machine has a unique "IP" address assigned to it, and a certain-type-of-program (such as "Microsoft Word") would use certain TCP port-numbers and an "IP"-address to pass data between itself, and other types-of-programs on either your machine, or other machines on the network. Under 10.3 & 10.4 (and possibly 10.2) the standard firewall is reached by "System Preferences", then clicking on the "Sharing" panel, then the "Firewall" tab. See if the "Firewall" has been started (under most Macs, the default is "off"). If "on", Ports 25, and 110 must be left open (unblocked), so that the Mail program can communicate (one is outgoing-mail, the other incoming-mail). Port 80 must be left open (unblocked), so that your browser can communicate. iTunes has its own port which must be left open (unblocked). If you have a Combo or Super-drive (one capable of reading a DVD), you might consider joining the rest of the world, and upgrading directly to 10.4.3 (Tiger), but you also need Stuffit Deluxe 10.0, and Intego Internet Security Barrier (that'll run-you over $320 U.S.).