Hey server guy, how can I test my e-mail server from the command line?
Answer:
Open a command window and go through the following commands, the server will respond appropriately for each.
telnet myemailserver 25
helo
mail from: smtptest@mydomain.com
rcpt to: validusername@mydomain.com
data
Subject: test message
This is a test
.
quit
If you have Virus Scanners or security software on the computer you are working from, make sure to allow outbound connections, or you will have a problem with the first command. Take it from someone who is always cursing McAfee for getting in the way of my systems management duties.