503 valid RCPT command must precede DATA

503 valid RCPT command must precede DATA
When attempting to send email you receive the following message in your mail client software:

"503 valid RCPT command must precede DATA"

You must check your email before trying to send email. Our mail servers requires authentication.

A) Pop before smtp -- check your email for new mail before trying to send email. This will allow you to send email for the next 30 minutes. After 30 minutes you have to authenticate again.

B) Configure your email client software to authenticate automatically by checking the "my server requires authentication" box in your email configuration.

If using MS Outlook, please try the following:

1) Open outlook
2) Go to Tools/Email Accounts
3) Select the Account with the trouble and click Change
4) Click on More Settings
5) Click on Outgoing Server Tab
6) Click "Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) requires authentication" and make sure "Use same settings as incoming mail server" is selected (see attached image)
7) Click on "Advanced Tab"
8) Set outgoing Port (SMTP) to 25 or 50 (50 is used for ISPs that block port 25 usage outside their own service).
9) Click Ok and then Test Account Settings


You mail software may also be acting unreliably. In such cases we recommend removing the mail account from your mail software, restart your PC/Mac and then add the mail account back fresh.
  • 184 Users Found This Useful

Was this answer helpful?

Related Articles

Is port 587 available for email sending?

Yes, port 587 is available for SMTP sending with or without TLS/SSL.

Why can I not connect to the mail server?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to connect to the POP3 server, and thus, not be...

Cannot write to cache directory /tmp/horde

When I try to access web mail in the cpanel and get this messageA fatal error has occurred...

Outlook: Error 0x800ccc0d or 0x800ccc0f When Receiving and Sending E-Mail

When you try to send and receive e-mail, you may receive one of the following error messages:...

I am getting an access denied logging into webmail

For webmail, make sure you are using the proper account name when logging in. For webmail it is...