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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Pillinger on March 30, 2009, 05:43:51 PM

Title: email problem
Post by: Pillinger on March 30, 2009, 05:43:51 PM
I run Windows X64 professional.
I have run Avast  for some years now with no problems but recently (after 4.8 update?) my Thunderbird email client has stopped getting access to the pop and smtp servers.
When trying to send email I get the following error message:
"An error occurred sending mail: The mail server sent an incorrect greeting: Cannot connect to SMTP server 81.103.221.11 (81.103.221.11:25), connect error 10050"
I then click the [OK] button and get a further error message:
"Sending of message failed.
The message could not be sent because connecting to SMTP server ..... failed
"

When trying to download messages the following error message is given:
"An error occurred with the POP3 mail server. Mail server pop.ntlworld.com responded:      "  no detials of the response in the message.

I can receive and send messages if I suspend the operations of the whole of Avast - but not if I only suspend 'Internet Mail'
This would seem to indicate that it is a change in Avast which is causing this problem.
Have you any suggestions - I would prefer not to have to change my anti-virus software.

I run an NVidia firewall
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: scythe944 on March 30, 2009, 06:28:13 PM
Sounds like an nVidia firewall problem.

I've done a few google searches, and I keep coming across a Microsoft KB article KB298100 "Ping Transmit Failed, Error Code 10050" but I can't find it on their site anymore.

I found this: http://www.dameware.com/support/kb/article.aspx?ID=300058

So, try disabling your firewall for a sec, and see if it fixes the problem.  If not, it could be winsock corruption. Look here to fix that: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259

If all of that doesn't work, maybe it is an avast thing...
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on March 30, 2009, 08:06:52 PM
Are you using SSL/TLS secure encrypted email ?

Title: Re: email problem
Post by: scythe944 on March 30, 2009, 08:12:38 PM
Quote
(81.103.221.11:25)

Looks like port 25, so I don't think so. I'll wait for his/her answer though...
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on March 30, 2009, 08:25:49 PM
Yes I saw that and that is why I made that comment as that could be the problem. If he is using SSL on port 25 or 110, avast will try and scan them as it monitors those ports and it can't handle the transmission of secure SMTP email it falls over.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: scythe944 on March 30, 2009, 08:29:27 PM
Oooh... right. I didn't think of that.  That would prevent it from working, now wouldn't it? lol.

Sorry, I'm a bit hung-over today.   :-[
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Pillinger on March 31, 2009, 09:49:13 AM
Are you using SSL/TLS secure encrypted email ?



I do not even know what this is! - but have just checked the account settings and they are set to never use secure connection.  The POP port set is 110, the SMTP Port set is 25

My settings with ntlworld need a password to receive mail but not to send it.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Pillinger on March 31, 2009, 10:05:41 AM
Turning off the firewall did not make any difference
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Pillinger on March 31, 2009, 10:16:02 AM
Using the Msinfo checking method for winsoc from the MS article mentioned by scythe994 I get the following:

Method 2: Use the Msinfo32 program
Note Use this method only if you do not have a Windows XP Setup CD and you do not have Support Tools installed.

   1. Click Start, click Run, type Msinfo32, and then click OK.
   2. Expand Components, expand Network, and then click Protocol.
   3. You will have ten sections under Protocol. The section headings will include the following names if the Winsock2 key is undamaged:
          * MSAFD Tcpip [TCP/IP]                                   present as listed
          * MSAFD Tcpip [UDP/IP]                                   present as listed
          * RSVP UDP Service Provider                              present as listed
          * RSVP TCP Service Provider                              present as listed
          * MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...           none of the rest of these is listed "MSADF" - but I am running Windows X64
          * MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
          * MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
          * MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
          * MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
          * MSAFD NetBIOS [\Device\NetBT_Tcpip...
      If the names are anything different from those in this list, the Winsock2 key is corrupted, or you have a third-party add-on, such as proxy software, installed.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Pillinger on March 31, 2009, 10:24:21 AM
I am using Mozilla Firefox for internet browsing to write this reply on the computer with the problem.  If the problem is a winsoc problem would the internet browser work?  I can also see other computers on my home network as normal.  It is only the email client which is not working and that only when Avast is on.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on March 31, 2009, 03:13:35 PM
Since your email previously worked normally with avast installed what version was that  before you updated to 4.8.1335, but that was released some time ago (4.8.1335 - 5.2.2009).

So what else has changed on your system recently, e.g. just before you noticed the problem ?

Have (or did) you another AV installed in this system, if so what was it and how did you get rid of it (clutching at straws a bit here) ?

You could try a clean reinstall of avast.
Download the latest version of avast http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html) and save it to your HDD, somewhere you can find it again. Use that when you reinstall.

Download the avast! Uninstall Utility, find it here (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html) and save it to your HDD.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Pillinger on March 31, 2009, 10:52:30 PM
reinstalled Avast as suggested - but the problem persistes.

I let Avast update itself.  I left the Uk on Feb 14th for 5.5 weeks.  My wife for two weeks and when she came back and started the computer the email was not working.

The only automatic updates are for Windows and Avast.

Looks like I may have to try AVG  :-(
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Mr.Agent on March 31, 2009, 10:56:45 PM
Well you can try AVG but i didnt think its will resolue your problem maybe a problem of your windows but i know that Avast is way better than AVG and i think i heard a lot ressource bogs from AVG User they was unhappy to use their product so they switched to Avast :D
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Lisandro on March 31, 2009, 11:05:09 PM
Did you try an installation from the scratch?
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Danlaw83 on April 04, 2009, 06:22:13 PM
Hi folks, I am new here.  Work at a large cable company.  Just got rid of McAfee I was tired of using that.  Was told the Avast was great by SEVERAL people so I got Avast 4.8.  Well I run Windows Vista Home Edition, I have windows Firewall, Windows Defender, and CCleaner.  The only automatic updates I have is Windows and Avast.  Ever since downloading, I haven't been able to access my AIM email.  It is down to either AIM or Avast blocking it.  I use Windows Live Mail.  I have four email addresses set up on WL but only this one is where I am getting an error message.  I only also have one AIM email address.  The address I keep getting is 

Account: '********@Aim.com', Server: 'pop.aim.com', Protocol: POP3, Server Response: '-ERR Cannot connect to POP server 205.188.157.118 (205.188.157.118:110), connect error 10060', Port: 110, Secure(SSL): No, Server Error: 0x800CCC90, Error Number: 0x800CCC90

Someone please assist me,  I have tried all ideas I know!!
 ;D
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on April 04, 2009, 06:56:57 PM
Could be a couple of things, remnants of McAfee or firewall blocking the email scanner. Though another is AIM if you are using the AOHell proprietary email application, what is your email program ?

You don't say what version of McAfee, so here are a slew of uninstall tools.
McAfee has an uninstall tool that you could run to ensure any possible remnants are removed.
http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/VSCleanupTool.exe (http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/VSCleanupTool.exe) Or http://majorgeeks.com/McAfee_Consumer_Product_Removal_Tool_d5420.html (http://majorgeeks.com/McAfee_Consumer_Product_Removal_Tool_d5420.html)
 
2007 version - http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe (http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe)
 
Also see - How do I uninstall SecurityCenter? http://ts.mcafeehelp.com/faq3.asp?docid=71525 (http://ts.mcafeehelp.com/faq3.asp?docid=71525)

What is your firewall ?
Does it allow ashMaiSv.exe internet access ?
- If it does delete the entry for it and check for email, this will force the firewall to ask permission again.

If it is the AOHell email client, I don't have any experience of it or it it can be made to work with the Internet Mail (ashMaiSV.exe) localhost proxy.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: Danlaw83 on April 04, 2009, 09:30:59 PM
Hmmm I think that might have taken care of it.  Thank you very much, DavidR.  It looks like the link from MajorGeeks worked.  Everything is working much better and faster since running this tool!!
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on April 04, 2009, 10:34:40 PM
No problem, glad I could help.

Looks like it left some debris behind after the uninstall, which was getting in the way.

Welcome to the forums.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: hylen on April 06, 2009, 03:21:53 AM
I'm going to throw my two cents in here. I see a couple of other relevant threads but this one's the most recent, so here goes:

I'm running XP Home SP2. I use Thunderbird. I just uninstalled AVG 7.5 and installed Avast. Thereafter I too was unable to send or receive email.

"Sending of message failed. The message could not be sent because connecting to SMTP server 127.0.0.1 failed." Ditto for incoming.

In Thunderbird I had to go to Tools | Account Settings | Outgoing Server (SMTP) | Edit | and under Server Name type in smtp.netzero.com. Likewise under Server Settings | Server Name I typed in pop.netzero.com. That did the trick.

(I had entered 127.0.0.1 previously as described here: http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7985 (http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7985).)

I also got this, which I have never seen before:

(http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/523/avasttbpassword.jpg)

However it all seems to be working at the moment, so I guess I'm good to go. Stupid computers. :P

Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on April 06, 2009, 02:34:18 PM
Well I haven't read the eldergeek topic, but they have sold you a bill of goods or you misread what was there. Edit: I went to check out this and these settings are for AVG and avast doesn't need these for your email to be scanned (see below), so it looks like your uninstall of AVG didn't reset your email account settings.

With windows XP you don't need to make any change to the email account settings as the avast email scanning for newer OSes is transparent. It is only when you are using Win9.x or WinME that you need to make any changes and even that can be done automatically using the email protection wizard, which is only available with those older OSes.

So the change (or change back) of your email account settings is likely to be what cause the alert message to be displayed as the old password may not have been retained.
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: hylen on April 07, 2009, 01:40:00 AM
Well I haven't read the eldergeek topic

I don't blame you since it's rather long (and not really Avast-relevant), although not as long as the thread it links to.

Quote
but they have sold you a bill of goods or you misread what was there.

Heh heh. Yes and no, as I wrote it myself.  :o

Quote
I went to check out this and these settings are for AVG and avast doesn't need these for your email to be scanned (see below), so it looks like your uninstall of AVG didn't reset your email account settings.

Agreed.

Quote
So the change (or change back) of your email account settings is likely to be what cause the alert message to be displayed as the old password may not have been retained.

Evidently that is the case. Anyway email is being scanned and life moves on, however fitfully.

Looks like a pretty good forum here. I appreciate the support. Thanks!
Title: Re: email problem
Post by: DavidR on April 07, 2009, 02:42:18 AM
No problem, glad I could help.

Welcome to the forums.