Setup SMTP Server: SMTP server at localhost | Unlimited Email With Custom Domain

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of setting up an SMTP server on your local system using hMailServer. This setup allows you to send unlimited emails using a custom domain, which is particularly useful for system administrators and developers interested in email solutions. We will cover the installation, configuration, and testing of your SMTP server.

Step 1: Download and Install hMailServer

1. Download hMailServer:

   • Visit the hMailServer download page.
   • Choose the latest version and download it.

2. Install hMailServer:

   • Run the downloaded installer.
   • Follow the installation wizard:
     • Accept the license agreement.
     • Choose the destination folder for the installation.
     • Select the components you want to install (typically, you should install all components).
   • When prompted, configure the database. You can use the built-in database or an external one if preferred.

3. Complete the installation:

   • Finish the installation and open the hMailServer Administrator.

Step 2: Configure hMailServer

1. Connect to the server:

   • Open hMailServer Administrator.
   • Connect to the server you just installed.

2. Add a new domain:

   • Go to the "Domains" section and click "Add".
   • Enter your custom domain name (e.g., example.com).
   • Click "Save".

3. Create email accounts:

   • Select the domain you just created.
   • Click “Accounts” and then “Add”.
   • Fill in the required fields:
     • Address: Choose the email prefix (e.g., user@example.com).
     • Password: Set a strong password.
   • Click "Save".

4. Configure SMTP settings:

   • In the hMailServer Administrator, navigate to "Settings" > "Protocols" > "SMTP".
   • Ensure that the "SMTP" checkbox is enabled.
   • Configure the following settings under the SMTP tab:
     • General: Set the server name (localhost).
     • Delivery: Adjust the settings as needed for your use case (e.g., local delivery).
     • Advanced: Verify that the port is set to 25 (standard SMTP port).

Step 3: Test the SMTP Server Using Email Clients

1. Download Email Clients:

   • Choose one or more email clients from the following links:
     • Thunderbird
     • EM Client

2. Configure the email client:

   • Open your selected email client.
   • Set up a new email account using the details you created earlier in hMailServer:
     • Input your email address and password.
     • Set the incoming server to localhost (or the appropriate IP address).
     • Set the outgoing (SMTP) server to localhost as well.
     • Ensure the SMTP port is set to 25.

3. Send test emails:

   • Compose a new email and send it from one account to another.
   • Check both the sender and receiver accounts to ensure emails are sent and received successfully.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up an SMTP server using hMailServer on your local machine. This configuration allows you to send unlimited emails with a custom domain, which is invaluable for testing and development purposes. For further exploration, consider trying different email clients and testing advanced configurations, such as using SSL for secure email transmission.