[Pkg-exim4-users] mail not reaching outside smtp server[repost]

[Robert Holtzman]

I posted this before without much luck. Since then I have been digging 
around some more in the logs and have found some more information so 
I'll try this again.

I had this working at one time. Sent mail has  stopped reaching my 
isp's smtp server when sent from Mutt. Mail sent from Alpine goes thru 
O.K. but Alpine doesn't use an MTA.

I'm running exim4 4.69-2 under ubuntu 8.04 originally configured 
with "dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config". The existing options are:

General type of mail configuration: mail sent by smarthost; received via SMTP or fetchmail
System mail name: cox.net 
IP-addresses to listen on for incoming SMTP connections: localhost <blank>
Other destinations for which mail is accepted: <blank>
Machines to relay mail for: <blank>
IP address or host name of the outgoing smarthost: smtp.west.cox.net
Hide local mail name in outgoing mail? no
Keep number of DNS-queries minimal (Dial-on-Demand)? no
Delivery method for local mail: mbox
Split configuration into small files? no

I don't remember changing anything but I wouldn't rule it out.

Something may be misconfigured somewhere but I'm not knowledgeable 
enough to see what.

from the log:

2009-11-08 22:18:30 1N7Me6-0004ri-G8 <= holtzm at cox.net U=holtzm P=local 
S=630 id=20091109051830.GA18524 at cox.net
2009-11-08 22:18:30 1N7Me6-0004ri-G8 == sounder at lists.ubuntu.com 
R=smarthost defer (-36): host lookup for smpt.west.cox.net did not 
complete (DNS timeout?)
2009-11-08 22:18:30 1N7Me6-0004ri-G8 ** sounder at lists.ubuntu.com: retry 
timeout exceeded

It appears to be a DNS problem (?) In any event I don't know how to 
address it.

This a a stand alone desktop with a single user(me).

Any help or pointers appreciated.

-- 
Bob Holtzman
Key ID: 8D549279
"If you think you're getting free lunch,
  check the price of the beer"