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Times out when sending attachment larger than 2 MB

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 117 views
  • Last reply by nancytague

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Whenever I try to send an email with an attachment larger than about 2 MB, Thunderbird gives me an error message saying the server timed out. Sometimes I discover that the message has indeed reached the recipient, even though I got the error message and the email is not in my Sent file.

I have tried twice to add an image of the error message, but that doesn't work -- just spins and spins and spins. Here is what it says:

Sending of the message failed. The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtpauth.centurytel.net timed out. Try again.

I have talked to my ISP who said there is no time limit, the size limit is 19 MB so I'm nowhere close, and the problem must be coming from Thunderbird. I can send the email with attachment when I use my ISP's webmail.

My roommate also uses Thunderbird, the same modem, and can send large attachments without problem.

What is going on and how do I fix this?

Thanks for any help.

Nancy

Whenever I try to send an email with an attachment larger than about 2 MB, Thunderbird gives me an error message saying the server timed out. Sometimes I discover that the message has indeed reached the recipient, even though I got the error message and the email is not in my Sent file. I have tried twice to add an image of the error message, but that doesn't work -- just spins and spins and spins. Here is what it says: Sending of the message failed. The message could not be sent because the connection to Outgoing server (SMTP) smtpauth.centurytel.net timed out. Try again. I have talked to my ISP who said there is no time limit, the size limit is 19 MB so I'm nowhere close, and the problem must be coming from Thunderbird. I can send the email with attachment when I use my ISP's webmail. My roommate also uses Thunderbird, the same modem, and can send large attachments without problem. What is going on and how do I fix this? Thanks for any help. Nancy
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Despite what your provider told you, they just demonatrated their limit of what they know. There is always a timeout on connections to an outgoing server. Usually they have one and the mail client has one. It is a fail-safe in case the communication stops for some reason, so the software can "recover" instead of just hang there for ever waiting.

The issue will be you have an anti virus product scanning outgoing mail and our room mate does not, or it is a different one. Bottom line, you do not need outgoing mail scanned. The anti virus says you have no virus, and they do not just spontaneously emerge.

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Chosen Solution

Despite what your provider told you, they just demonatrated their limit of what they know. There is always a timeout on connections to an outgoing server. Usually they have one and the mail client has one. It is a fail-safe in case the communication stops for some reason, so the software can "recover" instead of just hang there for ever waiting.

The issue will be you have an anti virus product scanning outgoing mail and our room mate does not, or it is a different one. Bottom line, you do not need outgoing mail scanned. The anti virus says you have no virus, and they do not just spontaneously emerge.

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Thanks, Matt. You were right on. My anti-virus provider customer service rep told me it only checks incoming messages, but unchecking a box about looking for threats in files attached to email messages made it work. I've complained to the anti-virus company about not having adequate options for checking incoming messages without also checking outgoing ones.

Thanks for your help.

Nancy

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What anti virus are you using? Might be worth noting.

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I use Trend Micro Maximum Security. It's always provided good protections, aside from this new wrinkle.

Nancy