Why was my email rejected?

This page explains why a message that you sent was not accepted through the PHP.net mail servers.

We employ a Spam URI Realtime Blocklist (SURBL) which allows us to block messages that contain spam domains inside the message bodies. The rationale is that if a message references a spammer domain, then it is quite likely to be spam.

What can I do to get my my message through?

The quickest way is to edit your message so that the URLs are not "clickable"; in other words, remove the http:// prefix from the front, or remove or disguise the www prefix. For example, if www.example.com is on a block list:

http://www.example.com
would be blocked
www.example.com
would be blocked
www dot example.com
would be allowed through

If it is your site that is being blocked, then it is your responsibility as a good netizen to get your site removed from the block list.

If you find that a lot of your messages are consistently being blocked by SURBL, and that the cause of the blockage is not a site under your control, then you may contact systems@php.net to see if there is a more convenient resolution.

We use the Spamhaus Exploits Block List, a realtime database of exploited or trojanned machines, to block mail that is quite likely to contain either spam or virus infected messages.

Your message was blocked either because your computer, or one of the mail servers that your message was routed through is on the XBL.

How do I get my message through?

You need to get your computer(s) off the XBL. Make sure that you are virus/trojan free, and make sure that if you're running your own mail servers that you are not running an open relay. Then check if you are on a block list.

If you are virus free but have picked up a dynamic IP address that was previous used by someone with an infected computer, you're probably out of luck; if you can, try disconnecting from the internet and dialling up again to get issued a new IP. If you find that you are consistently blocked in this way, contact your ISP.

If it is your ISP's mail server that is blocked, contact your ISP. If their mail server is consistently blocked, you should consider moving to a different provider.

You're on our black list. It is very rare for us to list someone on our own black list, so it must have been for a very very very good reason.

How do I get off the blacklist?

You need to be resourceful enough to contact someone on our systems team. You won't be able to mail us directly (because you are blacklisted). You will need to use an alternative email address or ask someone to contact us on your behalf.

How do I check if I'm on a block list?

You may check your IP's using this form, provided by Spamhaus

The Spamhaus query page provides you with instructions on how to request removal.