Topic Last Modified: 2007-05-16

In most cases, you should only need one Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) virtual server. However, if you are hosting multiple domains and want to have more than one default domain, for example, you can create multiple SMTP virtual servers. To an end-user, each SMTP virtual server appears as a separate server that has a unique IP address/TCP port combination.

When you create an SMTP virtual server, you are prompted to enter the path of your root directory. This directory must be local to the computer that the SMTP service is running on.

Note:
Make sure only trusted and qualified administrators in your organization have the necessary permissions to create a new SMTP virtual server. For more information, see Set Security Options.

Procedure

To create a new SMTP virtual server by using Microsoft Management Console

  1. If the SMTP virtual server will be using a new IP address, configure an IP address by selecting Control Panel on the Start menu, and then clicking Network and Sharing Center.

    For more information about Network and Sharing Center, see the Windows Server 2008 documentation.

  2. After the IP address is configured, select an existing SMTP virtual server in Microsoft Management Console. Then, on the Action menu, point to New, and then click Virtual Server. For instructions about how to start Microsoft Management Console, see Start Microsoft Management Console.

  3. Follow the instructions of the New SMTP Virtual Server Wizard. Make sure that you select an IP address/TCP port combination that is not being used by another SMTP virtual server. The recommended TCP port is port 25, which is the SMTP standard TCP port. More than one virtual server can use the same TCP port provided they are configured to have different IP addresses.

  4. If the default startup setting for the SMTP service is set to Automatic, the new SMTP virtual server starts on its own. If it doesn't start, it's because you selected an IP address/TCP port combination that is already being used.

  5. Configure the new SMTP virtual server.

  • Change the Default Startup Setting
  • Set Connections