Common Mail Errors and Solutions
Introduction
Mail delivery errors can occur for several reasons. The most common error messages, with possible solutions, are included below.
- Error: User Unknown
- Error: Mail from domain not accepted from host
- Error: Access is denied. Your server is listed by SpamCop bl.spamcop.net
- Error: Your message contained a virus or forbidden attachment.
- For More Assistance
About IT Technical Assistance
This document is maintained and copyright 2002-2007 by the University of Kentucky Information Technology Customer Service Center for the students, faculty and staff of the University. All rights reserved. Duplication of this document is permitted to the aforementioned audience.
Explanation of error messages and possible solutions
Error: "User Unknown"
The email address supplied was not a currently valid email address. Either the address was incorrectly entered, the user has changed their University email address, or the user is no longer affiliated with the University of Kentucky. To correct this issue please verify that the email address you attempted to send to is the current and correct email address. The UK Online Directory is an excellent resource for locating the correct and current address of an individual. It can be viewed online at http://www.uky.edu/directory/
Error: "Mail from Domain not accepted from host"
You are attempting to send an email with a From address that does not match the server used to send the mail message. This most commonly occurs when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) forces you to use their mail server to send mail, but you have your own email address. This can also occur if the email address you are attempting to send mail to is forwarded to the users University of Kentucky email account. To correct this issue make sure your From Address matches the domain name of the server you send your mail through, contact your ISP or email provider for help with this issue. If you are sending email to a forwarded address, you will need to contact the UK user directly to determine their correct UK Address. The UK user can elect to disable this particular scanning procedure in their mail settings. The UK Online Directory is an excellent resource for locating the correct and current address of an individual. It can be viewed online at http://www.uky.edu/directory/
Error: "Access is denied. Your server is listed by SpamCop bl.spamcop.net"
Sometimes, instead of a server, an IP Address is listed, and it is reported to be on the SpamCop RBL: bl.spamcop.net
This can occur if your mail server has been flagged internally by UK or via the SpamCop Real Time Blacklist (RBL) as being the originating server.
If the mail server through which you send your email has been flagged by SpamCop, please contact your ISP's support to report this issue. Mail servers will be removed automatically from the blacklist 24 hours after the last spam complaint was received. If your ISP is unable to rectify the situation and have their server removed from the SpamCop blocking list please contact the UK IT Customer Service Center to discuss possible remedies.
If SpamCop is not listed, then your server has likely been directly blocked by UK. Please contact the IT Customer Service Center to discuss possible solutions for getting the block lifted.
Error: "Your message contained a virus or forbidden attachment"
Messages that contain viruses, executables, or even specific filenames will not be allowed to pass through the email system if we have reason to believe that the file is being used to spread a virus. Common extensions of executable files include exe, bat, vbs, and app. There are many others. Please remove the attachment and attempt to send your message again.
For More Assistance
Please contact the IT Customer Service Center if you have any questions or problems while following these instructions. The IT CSC is open from 7AM to 6PM Monday through Friday. You may come directly to the CSC at 111 McVey Hall. You may also reach the CSC by phone (859.257.1300) or email (helpdesk@uky.edu).