I have php installed on my PC as well as an apache webserver and mysql. I am using cox.net as my cable internet provider. They block port 25 but I do not know if that affects what I am trying to do... which is: use the mail() function to send email for my user activation script. I am trying to test everything for my website on my computer before I pay for hosting. When I run the registration script I get this: Warning: mail(): "sendmail_from" not set in php.ini or custom "From:" header missing in C:\Program Files\Apache Group\Apache2\htdocs\campushotties\reghandle2.php on line 137 now the funny thing is i have the following code in my php.ini file: [mail function] ; For Win32 only. SMTP = smtp.east.cox.net smtp_port = 25 ; For Win32 only. sendmail_from = pphill2@xxxxxxxxxxx from the error message one would think that the email would be delivered but with a bad "From" address field. However, nothing is delivered. I also tried switching the smtp_port to port 26.. that didnt work either. Thanks for any help, Pat