Set Up an SMTP Server on Windows XP Pro

SMTP is short for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. SMTP is a protocol for sending e-mail messages between servers. Most e-mail systems that send mail over the Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server to another; the messages can then be retrieved with an e-mail client using either POP or IMAP. In addition, SMTP is generally used to send messages from a mail client to a mail server.

This article will help you to Set Up an SMTP Server on Windows XP Pro

Instructions 

1. With your Windows installation disk in the drive, go to Add/Remove Programs. The third box on the left is your Optional Components box. Clicking that will load a separate box with a list of services to install
2. Check the IIS option and leave all other defaults checked. Removing any checks will uninstall components that already exist on your computer.If you wish to see what the IIS option will install, highlight it and click the Details button.
3. Click "OK" to begin installation of the IIS components. This will activate certain services. If you have modified the services that run on your computer (i.e., disabled services), installation will complete incorrectly. The services dependent on the SMTP server are Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Security Accounts Manager and IIS Admin (will install with component). It is a good idea to check if these services are activated and running before doing the install.To do this, go to Run and type "Services.msc." When the services screen comes up, scroll down to each one and verify that it has started and is set to either Automatic or Manual. Then close the Services panel and continue with the installation. If you did not see those services listed; they will install on their own.

Running Your SMTP Server

1. Once installation is complete, navigate to the Internet Information Services console. Find it under the Administrative Tools section under the Control Panel. Classic Start Menu setup users will find it under Program Files or Control Panel. XP Start Menu users (who have the graphical bubble shapes rather than the bland gray boxes) will find it under Control Panel/Performance and Maintenance.It helps to right-click on the IIS option. Choose "Send To" and click to create a desktop shortcut. This will allow you to eliminate the steps it takes to activate the console whenever you wish to access it.Do this now and click on the icon to start the IIS Control Panel. Ensure that the SMTP service has started.
2. Right-click on the SMTP server and choose "Properties." On the General tab, enter 127.0.0.1 as your IP address. Click on "Access." Toward the bottom, you'll see Connection Control. Click on "Connection." Click "Add" and enter 127.0.0.1 again. Hit "OK" to close the boxes. Your server is now set up.
3. Using a program like Outlook Express, or Outlook 2007, make sure that when you configure your email accounts, the SMTP protocol is localhost or 127.0.0.1.