If you subscribe to Comcast for your Internet service, please be aware that Comcast is in the process of implementing a program to reduce SPAM traffic. This program involves deactivating the standard Internet port for sending e-Mail traffic, SMTP Port 25. Comcast will place a block on your cable modem that prevents outgoing e-Mail traffic from using Port 25, which is the standard port the Internet uses for sending e-Mail traffic. Comcast has already done this to tens of thousands of subscribers. They do this without any warning or explanation. You will be able to receive e-mail, but will be unable to send e-mail.

Comcast wants all out-going (SMTP) traffic on their network to use their e-Mail servers and to use Port 587. To implement this change, users of Outlook and Outlook Express will need to make changes to their Account settings. You will need your Comcast e-mail account and password to do this.

Open your Outlook or Outlook Express program. Go to the "Tools" pull down menu, then select "E-Mail Accounts". You want to change an existing account if you already have an e-Mail account set-up. Highlight your e-Mail account and select "Change". Go to "Server Information" and set your Outgoing SMTP Server to "smtp.comcast.net". Then go to "More Settings", select "Outgoing Server". Check the box that indicates "My Server Requires Authentication", select the button for "Log on Using" and input your Comcast e-mail account and your account password, and check the box to "Remember Password". Next, go to the "Advanced" tab. There is a box for the "Outgoing Server (SMTP)". This box is normally set to a value of "25". Change this value to "587". Save these settings and test your account.

These changes and settings will collectively allow your computer to use the Comcast e-Mail servers to send your outgoing e-Mail.