Intro: If you’ve ever encountered the error message “retry time not reached for any host for ‘domain.tld'” while incoming email facing this problem, you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating, but it’s essential to understand that it’s usually a temporary problem with your email server’s configuration. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and resolve this issue using command-line instructions.
The Error Message
The error message typically looks like this:
retry time not reached for any host for 'domain.tld'This message indicates that there’s an issue with the routing of your emails, and Exim is not able to deliver the email to the intended recipient. To fix this, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Start by identifying the issue with the email routing. You can use the following command to check how Exim is attempting to deliver the email:
#exim -bt [email protected]
This command will provide information about the routing configuration for the specified email address.
Step 2: Check manualmx Configuration
In many cases, the error is related to the manualmx router configuration. Exim uses this configuration to determine how to route emails. To check if manualmx is causing the problem, use the following commands:
#grep domain.tld /etc/manualmx
This command will show you the manualmx configuration for the problematic domain:
#domain.tld: host.domain.tld
Step 3: Remove the Manualmx Configuration
If you’ve identified that the manualmx configuration is causing the issue, it’s time to remove it. Use your preferred text editor to open the manualmx configuration file:
#nano /etc/manualmx
Find the line that specifies the configuration for the problematic domain, in this case, “domain.tld: host.domain.tld,” and delete it. Save the file.
Step 4: Restart Exim
After removing the manualmx configuration, restart the Exim service to apply the changes:
#systemctl restart exim
Step 5: Test Email Delivery
Finally, it’s crucial to test email delivery to ensure that it’s now directed to the correct destination. Send a test email to the problematic domain or address to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
Conclusion
The “retry time not reached for any host” error in Exim can be challenging, but by following these simple command-line steps, you can quickly diagnose and fix the issue. Remember to proceed with caution when making changes to your Exim configuration, and always back up your configuration files before making any modifications. With these steps, you can ensure that your emails are delivered smoothly to their intended recipients.