Pop3 Connector Problem

I'll assume that there are Individual POP3 mailboxes at the server?  If so, I'd suggest deleting the mailbox at the ISP and recreating it.  It's possible that the reference table is corrupt, recreating the mailbox should fix it.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

Yes they are and I have no control over the ISP mailbox. I've requested help from them but they have not given me any help yet. Let me through one other thing in here. This user is the only one who gets his email on his handheld also. He set it up and it does not go through the server, goes to Pop3 server. Thinking that might have something to do with it, but just can't figure out why.

Well, yes, that would have something to do with it... if he set it up, then shouldn't he fix it?  ;-)  

Just kidding... kinda.

What is the OS on his handheld?  If it's windows or palm, then it will synch automatically with SBS's Exchange server.  To find out more about this open Help & Support on the SBS and click the "Manage mobile devices" link from the main contents.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

It's windows but I've already been through the rounds with him. The self signed ticket does not work with his device and the way I understand it it means he has to purchase a 3rd party ticket. he did not want to spend any money.

But really, what would that have to do with it? If mail is up there why would it not download?

Because when mail is opened it sets a flag on the POP3 server telling it that the message is read... and the POP3 connector may not download read mail until another unread message is sitting in the mailbox.

If the certificate issue was the problem, and he's bypassing a secure connection anyhow using POP3 email, he might as well just disable the Certificate Checking on his mobile device.  Then he could synch with the Exchange server.  

Download the Disable Cert Check utility:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=D88753B8-8B3A-4F1D-8E94-530A67614DF1&displaylang=en

Jeff
TechSoEasy

Ok, that's what I was thinking just never could find it anywhere. So if an email is marked as read by either him going to the POP3 web access that the ISP is providing or by checking it with his handheld it will not download it with the POP3 connector. Thanks.

Can't use it anyway. -
Important: The Disable Certification Verification tool cannot be used to disable certificate verification on Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. The tool works only with Windows Mobile 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 devices.

Well, we learn more information each time you post... there are very complete instructions on how to deploy Windows Mobile 5 on  SBS2003.  Included in these instructions is how to install a self-signed certificate.

You can find the documentation here:  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sbs/2003/deploy/winm5.mspx

This will work on most US phones, moreso on PPC's than SmartPhones... but it depends on the Cell Provider.  Here's a sample list of those that do work:

      Model      Type            Self Signed OK?
Cingular      2125      SmartPhone      Y
Cingular      8125      PocketPC            Y
T-Mobile      MDA      SmartPhone      N
T-Mobile      SDA      PocketPC            Y
Verizon      6700      PocketPC            Y
Verizon      Treo 700w      PocketPC            Y
Sprint      6700      PocketPC            Y

Obviously it would have been best if your question was, "I have this guy with a Windows Mobile 5 Phone Model xxx that can't get his emails... etc.etc.etc."  I was just explaining in another post why it's important to look beyond the initial question... and this is a very good example.  :-)
See http:Q_21892251.html#16945054 if you are interested.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

No my original question still stands. I don't really care about his hand held, all I'm worried about is why he can't get his POP3 mail. I don't support his handheld, only tried to help him one time with it. Like I stated and I guess I'll state it again, his phone is not supported by the self-signed certificate. He does not want to go with the 3rd party certificate.
If the phone is messing this up, which is what I asked in my last question for you to explain, then I will have him turn that off.
So the phone or them chekcing through the ISP webmail could be causing them not to get an email until there is another new email in their box. Then it would check every 15 minutes until he does get a new email and then download all emails.

I can't know whether the phone is causing the problem or not... but I can be certain that checking the ISP email directly would cause an issue.  Do they have a dial-up Internet conection for the SBS?? Because that would be the only reason I can think of that you would allow a user to check webmail with the ISP directly instead of having them use Outlook Web Access to ensure that all emails are handled by Exchange.

Other than messing up the POP3 transaction log, a user that goes to the ISP's webmail could send a message from there and it would never be available to them in Outlook.  Not to mention the loss of calendar integration.

So, I would stop that practice immediately... then if the problems stop with mail delays you have your answer and he can keep his phone.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

Ok, that is what I've been trying to prove to them I just wanted to double check myself. They don't like the POP3 Connector only being about to check every 15 minutes and go out to the IPS webmail to check it. I'll tell them it's either they stop that or it will continue to work the way it is now.

P. S.  It is really ashame that you are viewing a productivity tool as something that is a bad thing.  The way of the world these days is to have work be accessible... and if someone has a device that IS truly compatible with your current systems... excluding the use of those devices is counter to everything that is philosophically behind Small Business Server.

I truly believe that as an IT consultant, the greatest value that you can provide to a client is to enable them to use the tools they already own.  So, as they say, they can get more done with less.

Just my 2cents...

Jeff
TechSoEasy

Actually those aren't the two choices... if they don't like the 15 minutes, you need to enable SMTP email on the SBS as it was designed.  The POP3 connector is really there just to provide a transition to SMTP email services.  If you need assistance in making this transition for them please see http://sbsurl.com/pop2smtp

Jeff
TechSoEasy

I agree with the mobility statement, I stated pretty clearly and unless you can answer me differently since you haven't yet, if the phone is not compatible with the self-signed certificate they would have to purchase a 3rd party Cert. The company does not want to do that.
I do not like the POP3 solution myself but unless I have a few things, mainly control/access of their DNS and an ISP that will work with me I have no option. I don't have those things so I am stuck with POP3. The ISP they use will not allow me to request any changes and the company does not want to get involved. They just want it to work. Only customer I have that uses the POP3 solution and I've got 20+ SBS installs. All the others work perfect with the SMTP email services.

Yep, I've checked the phone it is not compatible.

I'm going to explain it to the company again, maybe they will work with me, hopefully. If not like you say, it's their fault, not mine.

Good luck!

(and maybe you want to review this for the next time:  http:help.jsp#hi73)

Jeff
TechSoEasy

Well let's see I reviewed that little helpful article and 5-6 of your responses were not helpful and were your opinion on how I should do things instead of just answering my question. I'm not trying to be a jerk about this but you are there to answer my question, not give me suggestions on how to run my business or what you "think" I should do. I pay for this service and would just like my questions answered and not have to put up with what I think is smart alec answers in some points on this one.
Typically I have no problems with this service but with this question I do.

You may not realize it, but the "experts" here are in the same place that you are.  We're just volunteers that are trying to lend a hand.

I am not "here" to just answer your question.  I'm a small business owner myself and I have taken time out of my busy day to try to help YOU solve YOUR problem. Perhaps you have a misperception of what Experts-Exchange is all about.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

Guess so, since my subscription is up, I guess it's time to find a new place then.

I don't think you would find the breadth of experts that you find here at EE.  But if you do find a place that allows you to treat those who help you out with the kind of disrespect you've shown me, then I'm sure you'll be happier.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

It's over, drop it. Go back and read your answers and tell me you weren't acting the way I discussed. I don't need that, it's a waste of my time.

I would always agree that my answers may be a bit unconventional... and I always look beyond the actual question for what is really happening.  Am I a bit irreverent?  Yeah... I am.  I like to have fun and smile while doing this... and hope that others do as well.

But I do always try to treat everyone here with respect and hope that what I have to offer will be of help.  I'd only point out that the link I provided to the help topic has the following line:

"You may not like the answer you get, ane in some cases you may not like the way it is delivered, but if it is deemed to be accurate, no less than a B is an acceptable grade."

To claim that 5 out of 6 of my posts were not helpful... is not looking at it from my side... I needed to ask additional questions in order to provide you with whatever answer I could.  To be honest, I don't like to drop things when the other person walks away upset... and perhaps I shouldn't have been so quick to respond with the last couple of posts.  So I'm sorry if you took any of this the wrong way... there certainly was no harm intended.

Jeff
TechSoEasy