3.2. FORWARDING

There are some cases where the destination information in the is incorrect, but the receiver-SMTP knows the correct destination. In such cases, one of the following replies should be used to allow the sender to contact the correct destination.

251 User not local; will forward to <forward-path>

This reply indicates that the receiver-SMTP knows the user's mailbox is on another host and indicates the correct forward-path to use in the future. Note that either the host or user or both may be different. The receiver takes responsibility for delivering the message.

551 User not local; please try <forward-path>

This reply indicates that the receiver-SMTP knows the user's mailbox is on another host and indicates the correct forward-path to use. Note that either the host or user or both may be different. The receiver refuses to accept mail for this user, and the sender must either redirect the mail according to the information provided or return an error response to the originating user.

Example 2 illustrates the use of these responses.

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                         Example of Forwarding

      Either

      S: RCPT TO: <Postel@USC-ISI.ARPA>
      R: 251 User not local; will forward to <Postel@USC-ISIF.ARPA>

      Or

      S: RCPT TO: <Paul@USC-ISIB.ARPA>
      R: 551 User not local; please try <Mockapetris@USC-ISIF.ARPA>

                               Example 2

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