How to Disable SMTP Authentication

SMTP Authentication is a security protocol that requires users to log into a server before being able to send or receive electronic mail. This may be viewed as either a hindrance or an asset, depending upon the user's working environment. In normal work environments, having SMTP Authentication turned on can impede communication with those outside of the organization's network or intranet who nevertheless have information that they need to pass along. Fortunately, turning SMTP Authentication off in Outlook Express is a straightforward process.

Instructions

1. Click on "Start" and then on "All Programs." Click on "Microsoft Outlook."

2. Click on "Tools" and then on "Account Settings."

3. Click on the "Email" tab.

4. Double click on the name of your Outlook account and then click on "More Settings."

5. Click on the "Outgoing Server" tab. Click the check box beside the entry that says, "My Outgoing Server Requires (SMTP) Authentication."

6. Click the "Advanced" tab and select "None" from the dropdown menu below the "Outgoing Server" entry.

7. Type "25" in the "Outgoing Sever (SMTP) Port" field.

8. Click on "Next" and then on "Finish."

Tips & Warnings

• Disabling SMTP Authentication may make your account more susceptible to unscrupulous email users.

References

• Rockefeller: Disabling SMTP Authentication (SMTP Auth)
• Postfix: SMTP Authentication
• SFF: Enabling and Disabling SMTP

Resources

• IBM: Configuring SMTP Server Information