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

550-not permitted to relay through this server

The error message "550-not permitted to relay through this server" means that the server you...

Outlook: The connection to the server has failed - Socket Error: 10061, Error Number:

Outlook is trying to use SSL. Go to 'Tools' -> 'Accounts...' -> 'Mail' -> 'Properties'...

Outlook: A Filtering Error Has Occurred -199

When you open Outlook Express 4.5 for Macintosh, or you attempt to send or receive mail, you may...

What is POP3 Email and why do I need it?

A POP3 email address is a standard email address, such as the one you may already have with your...

When I log into webmail I receive a 404 error

We have updated webmail. Please be sure to update your bookmark to reflect...