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windowsSmarterMail Server Setup

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Step 1: System Requirements

Before proceeding, ensure your server meets the minimum requirements:

  • OS: Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

  • CPU: At least a quad-core processor

  • RAM: 8GB or more recommended

  • Storage: SSD preferred (disk space depends on email usage)

  • .NET Framework: Latest version (4.8 recommended)

Networking Requirements:

  • Public IP Address (or Dynamic DNS if using a home server)

  • Open Ports:

    • SMTP (25)

    • IMAP (143) & IMAPS (993)

    • POP3 (110) & POP3S (995)

    • Webmail (default: 9998)

    • WebAdmin (default: 9999)

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Step 2: Download & Install SmarterMail

  1. Download SmarterMail from the official website: https://www.smartertools.com/smartermail/downloads

  2. Run the installer (SmarterMail_Setup.exe) and follow the installation wizard.

  3. Choose the installation path (default is C:\SmarterMail).

  4. Complete the installation and launch SmarterMail.

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Step 3: Initial Configuration

  1. Open a web browser and go to:

  2. Log in using the default admin account (admin / admin).

  3. Set up:

    • Primary Domain Name: (e.g., yourdomain.com)

    • Mail Server Hostname: (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)

    • Admin Email & Password

  4. Click Save and restart the SmarterMail service.

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Step 4: Configure Mail Services

  1. Open SmarterMail Web Interface (http://localhost:9998).

  2. Navigate to Settings > Protocols:

    • Enable SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 if needed.

    • Enable SSL/TLS (recommended for security).

    • Configure SMTP Authentication to prevent unauthorized relay.

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Step 5: Configure DNS Records

To send and receive emails, configure your DNS settings in your domain registrar:

Record
Type
Host
Value

MX

MX

@

mail.yourdomain.com (Priority: 10)

A

A

mail

Your Server’s Public IP

SPF

TXT

@

v=spf1 mx ~all

DKIM

TXT

mail._domainkey

(Generate in SmarterMail)

DMARC

TXT

_dmarc

v=DMARC1; p=none;

✅ Check your DNS using:

  • nslookup -type=mx yourdomain.com

  • dig mx yourdomain.com

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Step 6: Enable SSL (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Install an SSL certificate for mail.yourdomain.com (Let's Encrypt or paid SSL).

  2. In SmarterMail Settings > Bindings, select the SSL certificate.

  3. Ensure users connect via IMAPS (993), SMTPS (465), POP3S (995).

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Step 7: Test Email Functionality

  • Send an email using Webmail (http://localhost:9998).

  • Test SMTP using Telnet:

  • Use an external mail client (Outlook, Thunderbird) to check SMTP/IMAP.

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Step 8: Secure & Monitor the Server

  • Set up firewall rules (allow only necessary ports).

  • Enable antivirus and spam protection.

  • Monitor logs under SmarterMail > Reports.

  • Use Fail2Ban (Windows equivalent: RdpGuard) to block brute-force attempts.

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Final Checks

✔ Email sending/receiving works ✔ DNS records are correctly configured ✔ SSL is enabled (optional but secure) ✔ Firewall and security settings are active

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