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Troubleshooting Email Delivery Failure – Error 501 Malformed Address

Last updated on Sep 26,2024 |

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by s.clem

Introduction

This Knowledge Base entry addresses a common issue users may encounter when sending emails, specifically the ‘501 malformed address’ error. The error occurs when the email address format is unrecognized by the server, resulting in a delivery failure. This article will guide users on how to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, ensuring successful email communication.

Issue

When attempting to send an email, users receive a delivery failure notification. The error message typically reads:

The following recipient(s) cannot be reached: ‘test@test.com.my’ on [Date] [Time] Server error: ‘501 <‘test@test.com.my’>: malformed address: ‘> may not follow <‘test@test.com.my’

Description

This error indicates that the email address format is not recognized by the email server, causing the email delivery to fail. The error code ‘501’ specifically points to a syntax error in the email address.

Possible Causes

Incorrect Email Format: The email address may contain illegal characters or is not properly enclosed in angle brackets.
Email Client Issues: Some email clients may automatically format addresses in a way incompatible with certain email servers.
Server Configuration: The receiving server may enforce strict rules for email address formats that are not being followed.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Verify Email Address

Ensure the email address ‘test@test.com.my’ is correctly typed and does not contain any spaces or unusual characters.

Step 2: Check Address Formatting

If using angle brackets around the email address, ensure they are correctly placed. The proper format is: username@domain.com (without any additional characters or spaces).

Step 3: Update Email Client

If you’re using an email client like Outlook or Thunderbird, make sure it is updated to the latest version.

Additional Tips

Avoid using special characters in email addresses.
In corporate environments, consult with the IT department to ensure that email server configurations are up-to-date and compatible with widely used email standards.

Conclusion

Email delivery failures, such as the ‘501 malformed address’ error, can be frustrating but are typically resolved by checking the formatting of the email address and ensuring that the email client and server are compatible. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve these issues, improving their email communication experience.

For additional assistance or if you encounter any issues, please contact our support team at support@ipserverone.com or call us at +603 – 2026 1688. We’re happy to help further.