I am trying to find out the minimum recommended time I can close ports...Got server 2003 + exchange with a spam and DNS problem. Really on a massive learning curve here as new to the job. Basically I think incoming spam is being checked by spam killers dns, then if passed to exchange it's checked again, then again by end users local spam check.Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

Hello,What is the version of exchange server? If it is exchange 2003 then you can use IMF inbuilt with exchange server or any 3rd party SPAM filter. Block Spam with Exchange 2003 Intelligent Message Filterhttp://www.petri.co.il/block_spam_with_exchange2003_imf.htmIntelligent Message Filter version 2 (IMF v2)http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Intelligent-Message-Filter-version-2-IMF-v2.htmlDemystifying Exchange Server 2003 SP2 IMF Updates http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2006/04/12/425060.aspxHow can I install Intelligent Message Filter on Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 2?http://www.petri.co.il/installing_imf_with_exchange_2003_sp2.htmExchange Intelligent Message Filterhttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/bb288484.aspxand for exchange 2000 server, you need to relay on 3rd party SPAM filter solution.Arun Kumar | MCSE - 2K3 + Messaging | ITIL-F V3

Vicduck,What do you mean by minimum recommended time to close ports? AFAK, there isnt any concept like this in exchange; please do correct me if I am assuming anything wrong. If you are seeking to block incoming spam with the help of internet facing devices then what you need is just few ports like SMTP (25 and 465, 587 in case you are operating on other port and using SSL or TLS), POP (if enabled), IMAP (if enabled), HTTP for OWA and HTTPS (443 for secure access).Now, if at all I havent missunderstood you here is a good read for you http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa997436(EXCHG.65).aspx:-)MMilind Naphade | MCTS:M | http://www.msexchangegeek.com

Thanks for your reply. I will study the article and keep learning as I go along. Complicated stuff!

You'remost welcome, do come back if you have any difficulties for understanding.Arun Kumar | MCSE - 2K3 + Messaging | ITIL-F V3