Understanding the Spool Directory MailSite uses a folder called 'Spool' by default as a staging post for messages in transit through the system. This document briefly explains how the spool folder operates. This applies to MailSite 9.2 and later only.

Mail Spool Directory

You can use the Console to specify the Mail Spool Directory. The spool directory contains a number of subdirectories that are used as staging posts for messages. This folder needs permissions for which ever account the MailSite services are logged on under, default this will be SYSTEM. The MailSite installer will set the permissions for you.

The directory structure under the Mail Spool Directory is as follows.

Incoming

This directory holds messages received by the SMTPRA (Receiver Agent)service. For each message that is received by the server, the SMTPRA service will create a .msg file and a .rcp file and place it within the Incoming folder. The .msg file contains the message data, the .rcp file will contain the routing information. Both files will have the same name eg B000010020.msg & B000010020.rcp. The SMTPDA (Delivery Agent) also places messages here, for example, non-delivery reports and messages which are sent to mail lists.

Holding

In version 9.2 and later the holding folder is no longer used for queuing the .msg files for delivery.

Domains

The SMTP Delivery Agent moves the .msg and .rcp pair into the Domains folder. (Prior to 9.2, SMTPDA would place the .msg file in Spool\Holding, and the .RCP within Spool\domains). It will create a subdirectory for each domain to which the message is addressed. If the message is addressed to a local user, it places the files in $local$. If you have a file that is addressed to Yahoo.com for example, then a folder called Yahoo.com will be located in the Spool\Domains\ folder. This folder (and associated files) will be deleted as soon as all messages queued have been processed.
Within each subdirectory a domain.mri file will be created which information about MX records information on the last send failure reason (if applicable).

Dead

This directory collects messages which are both undeliverable and un-returnable.

Lists

This directory contains subdirectories corresponding to mail lists. For every mail list, two directories are created: one corresponding to the list itself, and one corresponding to the -request address for the list. Messages are moved into these directories temporarily while they are being delivered to list members.