Steps for analyzing incorrect mail output

The main goal in diagnosing an incorrect output problem is to determine where the corruption occurs. Is the data corrupted in SMTP, TCP/IP, or by something or someone on the network?

Perform the following steps to analyze the problem:

• If the problem is that the received mail item has incorrect output:
  1. Is the correct translation table being used or could it have been customized to cause the error?

     Correct the translation error.

  2. Do TCP/IP and SMTP receive the correct output from the remote host?

     Obtain TCP/IP packet trace output or network trace facility output or both to see the actual data in the packets from the remote host.

  3. Analyze the output from SMTP DEBUG for obvious errors. The body of the note (mail item) is not shown in this output.
• If the problem is that the sent mail item has incorrect output:
  1. Is the correct translation table being used, or could it have been customized to cause the error?

     Correct the translation error.

  2. Was the correct data sent from SMTP or TCP/IP?

     Obtain a TCP/IP packet trace to see the actual data in the packets as they leave TCP/IP.

  3. Analyze the output from SMTP DEBUG for obvious errors. The body of the note (mail item) is not shown in this output.