"Ping Mail" -> Unknown Host ....?

Brangwen · July 6th, 2002, 07:49 PM

Fellow Members:

I'm getting ready to perform a fresh OS install.

I am gathering info before doing so. For my DSL (Verizon) I'm trying to determine mail IP Address to share DSL through 4-port Linksys Router with second computer ...

I typed "ping mail" at DOS prompt: comes back "Unknown Host."

Any ideas why?

Thx.

Brangwen

Mntsnow · July 6th, 2002, 11:30 PM

You need the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) to ping.

such as mail.xtremepccentral.com or mail.verizon.com ect

Brangwen · July 7th, 2002, 12:08 AM

MtnSnow:

Hi! Okay ... I used your methodology. I received the below values:

206.46.170.10

Now, what the heck do I do with them?!?

My "network" is very simple, and I suppose that's why I'm so disturbed by a glitch - the solution of which is likely staring me in the face!

I'm merely sharing a "straight-through" DSL (Verizon PPoet) between 2 boxes. Linksys 4-port router. Both boxes get the signal, but the second cannot send or receive mail with a stand-alone mail software, e.g., Outlook.

Arr!

I read where perhaps installing the above values instead of "mail.verizon.net (POP3) might work ... It didn't, unless I typed the number in wrong ...

Should it be: smtp.number? Just number? I'm referring to setting up new account on second box. The first box has no difficulty ...

I have 3 other usernames and passwords to try on the second box, all of which work on the first!

I do not get it. Win98se ... I'm not certain if the Network config boxes are properly set up. I do not know for sure which components should be in each! I removed the Verizon SW.

Hmm ...

Any ideas?

Thx.

Brangwen

gothic · July 7th, 2002, 01:37 AM

You can use just the IP address for the server, or you can use mail.verizon.net or whatever the FQDN may be.

On a side note, the reason 'ping mail' would work on another machine or on a different setup, is because the DNS is configured with the proper Search Domain.

For example, my domain is 'badass.org', and I can 'ping mail.badass.org' (Or do a nslookup) and it will return with the IP 208.137.8.252.

If I were to set my Search Domain to 'badass.org', and I attempted the command 'ping mail', the DNS subsystem will look at that command, realize it's not a FQDN, and tack on my search domain to the end of it, basicly making my command 'ping mail.badass.org' (Very simplified explination).

IMPO, I find it's always better to use the FQDN when specifying servers for mail/web/news/etc.

Brangwen · July 7th, 2002, 01:58 PM

GOTHIC:

THX.

PLEASE READ AND IF YOU HAVE TIME RESPOND TO MY THREAD:

LINKSYS + WIN98SE + DSL -> HELP!

Brangwen

Mntsnow · July 7th, 2002, 02:36 PM

Brangwen,

In the Linksys you need to put the info that your service provider gave you when it was first setup directly on the Win98 box (the linksys becomes your "gateway"). (Are you going with Dynamic (DHCP) with the linksys doing the DHCP Serving or Static IP for your lan?)
You might look at http://www.alamopc.org/PCAlamode/features/F040113.html as well as http://www.dslwebserver.com/

Then basically you end up setting up your email client software somewhat like this.. (substitue your values)

Brangwen · July 7th, 2002, 02:51 PM

Mtnsnow:

Thx for the advice and jpeg ... I'll try it.

The nice folks at Verizon refuse to provide any network support -> just gave me modem and CD with Verizon SW, then I was on my own!

Brangwen

Brangwen · July 7th, 2002, 04:07 PM

[b]Colleagues ... Problem solved ... NEVER underestimate a Sygate Firewall!

Thx.

Brangwen

... a bit wiser for this experience!