OL2000: Error Message 550 After Opening Mail with an Internet Read Request (218231)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 2000
This article was previously published under Q218231

SYMPTOMS

After opening e-mail that includes an Internet Read Request (IRR), you notice that there is mail stuck in the Outbox. You may also receive mail that references the error code 550 followed by some explanatory text.

CAUSE

The SMTP mail server does not have the ability to process the header item, Mail From: <> because it is based on an outdated RFC821 that used a conflicting programming example. You will only see this on old SMTP servers.

RESOLUTION

Turn off processing of read receipt requests, or upgrade the SMTP mail server.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Other than having your Internet Service Provider (ISP) upgrade the SMTP server, the only way to keep these messages from filling your Outbox is to select the option Never send a response. To set this, use the following steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  2. On the Preferences tab, click E-mail Options, and then click Tracking Options.
  3. Click to select Never send a response.
  4. Click OK, OK, and OK.
By setting this option, requested read receipts will not be sent.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/29/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB218231
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