[SOLVED] Suspending incoming email

[rusty]

I suffered some loss of incoming emails during disaster recovery that I'd like to know how to avoid in case this happens again. Zimbra tech support told me to change DNS records to keep incoming emails from reaching the server. The trouble with this is DNS changes can take time to propagate. I believe emails received after the server was rebuilt, but before the backup data was restored, were overwritten by the restore process.

I'd like to know how to keep the server from receiving mail without unplugging the network cable. Unless I'm mistaken, the server must be connected to the internet (for DNS purposes) while it is being installed.

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by rusty

I'd like to know how to keep the server from receiving mail without unplugging the network cable. Unless I'm mistaken, the server must be connected to the internet (for DNS purposes) while it is being installed.

You can block port 25 with a firewall or you can use a DNS hosting provider that will give you a backup server for the time when your mail server is offline, it will (usually) keep the mail for up to five days and then send it to you when your server is back on-line. I use EasyDNS for my hosting and they provide that service, there are many on the internet and some services are available for just the backup MX should you prefer that.

[rusty]

Bill: thank you. Blocking port 25 is an excellent solution, along with a backup mx server. Eric