Wanna feel a little old? I saw this and had to share!

Update: Be sure to check the comments below this post. Many users have given specific numbers and updates that may help in resolving this issue. Please leave a comment with your experience/tips to help keep this updated.

Quickly after my ATT Uverse installed was completed I fired up Outlook to start checking my mail. What?? No mail servers will connect? I run multiple web servers with multiple hosts so I was sure there was no way all could be down at the same time. I unhooked Uverse and plugged up Road Runner. Well Well.. Email works. So what could be stopping me from checking email on Uverse? After a few minutes of quick Googleing I found that by default, Uverse blocks TCP Port 25. Why block port 25? I guess to stop spammers and machines that have been zombified from sending spam emails.

So I assumed this was the end of Uverse from me. Was I really going to have to go back to Time Warner just because of a simple port? I went to call the support line, but of course I was on hold for a few minutes. While on hold I noticed their live support was available. Explained bluntly that I needed Port 25 unblocked because I run my own email servers. Based on my experience with other companies live support I expected a transfer or maybe an auto generated response explain why they could not help me. The ATT representative took a minute or two to respond, but said he could take care of this issue. No fighting, yelling, or frustration? Wow. There has to be a catch here!

No catch happened. He quickly unblocked the port for my account. Now all is good in Uverse land. I have the U-verse U450 and Max Plus Internet connection. Amazing alternative vs Time Warner in Charlotte. Highly recommended if its available in your area.

I hear this issue also exists on AT&T DSL. This solution should work with either service.

Update 8/08/2011 – This post has received quite some attention! Currently it has received 50 comments and receives roughly 500 visits per week. I hope everyone is not only able to get Port 25 unblocked, but able to save some $$$ in the process. Bandwidth has started to actually cost me $$$ to host this post.

If you want to buy me a beer or a coffee or just throw me a few bucks for saving you some here is a donate button:

A few months ago I found a random thread on slickdeals.net saying I could host a party and receive a free copy of Windows 7. I assumed it was a long shot as ‘free’ and ‘online’ typically don’t happen often. Low and behold I get an email a roughly a weeks later letting me know I could potentially get this Party Pack if I signed up in time. Frantically I keyed in all my personal information. I then recieved confirmation I would be hosting a Windows 7 Party.

Fast forward to today.. it arrived! It had more goodies then described when I signed up. From Windows 7 playing cards, bags, napkins, streamers, a puzzle, and so on! A really great surprise considering it was all free. Now I have to start planning up my party. But before that I have the pictures to share: