Question : mail server problem smtp to lan works but does not reach internet mail boxes

Hi,
I have a mail server that is running some antiquated software post.office, but the server software is probably irrelevant.
The OS is windows 2000
It is behind a router Cisco 2524 and between the router and the server is a PIX 506
The website is accessible from the internet and the mail server receives mail ok.
When mail is outgoing from the client in this case outlook it does not make it to any outside addresses such as hotmail, yahoo, gmail, and others as well.
It DOES send mail to all of the workstations on the LAN.
I am guessing that it is the firewall and or router, but I do not know how to verify.  It seems that it would have to be the firewall or router or mail would not be sent to local clients. I don't know if the firewall is simply dropping the mail or maybe does not know how to route it.  I can telnet into both devices.
Thank you Laura

Answer : mail server problem smtp to lan works but does not reach internet mail boxes

Check you firewall for access-list.

It could be possible that firewall is blocking the hotmail.com's IP address.

Use tracetcp.

It will tell you on which hop your are being blocked.

http://tracetcp.sourceforge.net/

Syntax:
tracetcp mx1.hotmail.com:25 -m 30

This will show you the hops to hotmail.com

Then compare it with normal traceroute.

Syntax:
tracert mx1.hotmail.com