How to Set Up an SMTP Server on Windows XP Pro

Microsoft Windows XP Pro packages SMTP server software in its operating system. When you install Windows XP Pro, however, the SMTP services do not automatically install; these are optional components. You need your XP installation disk to install them.

Instructions

Microsoft XP Pro and IIS

1. Click "Start." Select "All Programs" and click "Control Panel."

2. Click "Add or Remove Programs." Click "Add/Remove Windows Components."

3. Click "Application Server" and "Details." Click "Internet Information Services (IIS)" and click "Details."

4. Click inside the check box next to "SMTP Service" to activate it. Leave all other defaults. Removing any checks will uninstall components that already exist on your computer. To see what an IIS option will install, highlight it and click the "Details" button.

5. Click "OK" to begin installation of the IIS components. This activates certain services. If you have modified the services that run on your computer, for example, by disabling them, the installation won't complete correctly.

Running Your SMTP Server

1. Navigate to the Control Panel again. Click "Performance and Maintenance" and "Internet Information Services console." Right-click on the IIS option. Choose "Send To" and click to create a desktop shortcut. Double-click on the icon to start the IIS Control Panel.

2. Right-click on the SMTP server and choose "Properties." Select the "General" tab and enter 127.0.0.1 as your IP address.

3. Click "Access." Find "Connection Control" toward the bottom. Click on "Connection." Click "Add" and enter "127.0.0.1" again. Click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• When setting up an email client program like Outlook Express or Thunderbird, make sure that the SMTP protocol is localhost or 127.0.0.1.

• Most ISPs block port 25, the default port for outgoing email. You may need to send your email using a different port.

• Check with your ISP or network administrator to ensure that setting up a local SMTP server does not violate their terms of use.

References

• Arial Software: Set Up Your Own SMTP Server
• Microsoft Support: How to Configure an Internet Information Services SMTP Virtual Server

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish