How to Prevent a Mail Loop

A mail loop can form between two or more e-mail accounts anywhere in the world.

A mail loop can quickly become a hassle for any home or business computer. A loop occurs when a chain is formed between multiple e-mail accounts or servers that generate automatic replies. Automatic replies can be useful for various functions since they prevent the user from having to respond to multiple messages one at a time but a problem arises if two or more accounts start e-mailing each other when each is slated to auto-reply. The result quickly fills up each account with worthless messages that can take time to sort through. Preventing mail loops requires some account adjustments but isn't difficult.

Instructions

1. Update your e-mail software. Most modern-day e-mail programs have built-in protections that will stop an e-mail loop once it has been detected. If you are using an e-mail program that is several years old, it may be more easily compromised by a loop.

2. Turn off any auto-response feature on your e-mail program. Auto-response is useful for when you are on vacation to notify people e-mailing you that you are unavailable, but it is a function that can also result in an e-mail loop if another computer also has auto-response enabled.

3. Unsubscribe to e-mail lists. An e-mail loop can start within the list and the entire list can receive all the mail going back and forth in the loop. Unsubscribing from the offending list will cut the loop off from your own system until the loop is corrected.

References

• Newcastle University: Mail Loop Detection
• Indiana University: "Too Many Hops" Error
• PC Mag: Mail Loop Definition