5.4.14 hop count exceeded possible mail loop mimecast
A very specific error message!
The error message "5.4.14 Hop count exceeded, possible mail loop" is typically generated by a mail server (such as Postfix, Sendmail, or Exim) when it detects a potential mail loop or a routing issue.
Here's a breakdown of the error message:
- "5.4.14" is the SMTP error code, which is a standard way of reporting errors in email transmission.
- "Hop count exceeded" indicates that the mail server has reached its maximum allowed number of hops (i.e., the number of times a message can be forwarded from one mail server to another) before delivering the message to its final destination.
- "Possible mail loop" suggests that the mail server suspects that the message may be stuck in a loop, where it is being forwarded back and forth between multiple mail servers without reaching its final destination.
In the context of Mimecast, which is a cloud-based email security and archiving platform, this error message may occur when Mimecast detects a potential mail loop or routing issue while processing an email message.
To resolve this issue, you may need to investigate the following:
- Check your email routing configuration: Ensure that your email routing configuration is correct and that there are no loops or circular references in your email routing setup.
- Verify your mail server settings: Check your mail server settings to ensure that the hop count is set correctly and that there are no issues with your mail server's configuration.
- Check for spam or malware: It's possible that the email message is being flagged as spam or malware, which could be causing the mail loop. Check your email filters and spam detection settings to ensure that they are not blocking the message.
- Contact your email provider: If you are using a third-party email provider, contact their support team to see if they can help resolve the issue.
By investigating these potential causes, you should be able to resolve the "5.4.14 Hop count exceeded, possible mail loop" error message and ensure that your email messages are delivered successfully.