Exchange 2000 and SMTP Outbound Hangs

[Chaupa]

I am currently in the middle of a migration from 5.5 to 2000. I created an SMTP connector on the 2000 server( all defaults except forward to an IP ) and set the cost equal to the 5.5 for now. After about two or three days the Outbound queue to my gatewat server hangs, this also causes the Exchange server to run very slow. I get one error from a disclaimer Software.

"There was an unhandled exception whilst processing an SMTP message in the command OnSmtpOutCommand. The message will not be affected. "

After this, the server crawls and messages build in the Outbound queue. I tried to stop the SMTP service but timed out. I also tried to stop IIS but it too would not stop the SMTP service. The only way to get things back to normal is a reboot. Then all messages work fine. Any Help would be greatly appreciated.
Paul

 

[meekrob]

I'm not clear what you mean. Is SMTP hanging on a gateway server or on the Exchange 2000 server. Or is it the 5.5 server that is hanging? Is 5.5 server the gateway? What software is running on the gateway?

I wouldn't be surprised if you were getting hit by DOS attacks. Make sure you have applied the latest security packs and if you are an admin subscribe to Microsofts security bulletin mailing list:

http://www.microsoft.com/security

 

[Chaupa]

Here goes.
All smtp in to my domain routes through a gateway server that also scans for viruses. ( Norton Anti Virus Gateway Server )That server inturn sends all mail to my Exchange 5.5 server through the IMC. From here, the 5.5 server routes mail to all users. Ex5.5 and Ex2000.
The Exchange 2000 server has an SMTP Connector set up to forward all mail (VIA IP)from the 2000 server to the Gateway server.

I set up the address space cost on the 2000 server SMTP connector equal to that of the 5.5 address space cost so the 2000 server would send it's own outbound internet mail.
The SMTP Queue that is hanging is the one on the 2000 server that holds mail destined for the Gateway Outbound to the internet.

I have not applied the Admin patch but I will tomorrow.
The only ports open to that server right now from the internet are 80 and 443.
Thanks.
Paul