SmarterMail Server Setup

Step 1: System Requirements

Before proceeding, ensure your server meets the minimum requirements:

• OS: Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

• CPU: At least a quad-core processor

• RAM: 8GB or more recommended

• Storage: SSD preferred (disk space depends on email usage)

• .NET Framework: Latest version (4.8 recommended)

Networking Requirements:

• Public IP Address (or Dynamic DNS if using a home server)

• Open Ports:

  • SMTP (25)

  • IMAP (143) & IMAPS (993)

  • POP3 (110) & POP3S (995)

  • Webmail (default: 9998)

  • WebAdmin (default: 9999)

---

Step 2: Download & Install SmarterMail

1. Download SmarterMail from the official website: https://www.smartertools.com/smartermail/downloads

2. Run the installer (SmarterMail_Setup.exe) and follow the installation wizard.

3. Choose the installation path (default is C:\SmarterMail).

4. Complete the installation and launch SmarterMail.

---

Step 3: Initial Configuration

1. Open a web browser and go to:

   http://localhost:9998/admin

2. Log in using the default admin account (admin / admin).

3. Set up:

   • Primary Domain Name: (e.g., yourdomain.com)

   • Mail Server Hostname: (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)

   • Admin Email & Password

4. Click Save and restart the SmarterMail service.

---

Step 4: Configure Mail Services

1. Open SmarterMail Web Interface (http://localhost:9998).

2. Navigate to Settings > Protocols:

   • Enable SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 if needed.

   • Enable SSL/TLS (recommended for security).

   • Configure SMTP Authentication to prevent unauthorized relay.

---

Step 5: Configure DNS Records

To send and receive emails, configure your DNS settings in your domain registrar:

Record	Type	Host	Value
MX	MX	@	mail.yourdomain.com (Priority: 10)
A	A	mail	Your Server’s Public IP
SPF	TXT	@	v=spf1 mx ~all
DKIM	TXT	mail._domainkey	(Generate in SmarterMail)
DMARC	TXT	_dmarc	v=DMARC1; p=none;

✅ Check your DNS using:

• nslookup -type=mx yourdomain.com

• dig mx yourdomain.com

---

Step 6: Enable SSL (Optional but Recommended)

1. Install an SSL certificate for mail.yourdomain.com (Let's Encrypt or paid SSL).

2. In SmarterMail Settings > Bindings, select the SSL certificate.

3. Ensure users connect via IMAPS (993), SMTPS (465), POP3S (995).

---

Step 7: Test Email Functionality

• Send an email using Webmail (http://localhost:9998).

• Test SMTP using Telnet:

  telnet mail.yourdomain.com 25

• Use an external mail client (Outlook, Thunderbird) to check SMTP/IMAP.

---

Step 8: Secure & Monitor the Server

• Set up firewall rules (allow only necessary ports).

• Enable antivirus and spam protection.

• Monitor logs under SmarterMail > Reports.

• Use Fail2Ban (Windows equivalent: RdpGuard) to block brute-force attempts.

---

Final Checks

✔ Email sending/receiving works ✔ DNS records are correctly configured ✔ SSL is enabled (optional but secure) ✔ Firewall and security settings are active