Q:

How can I use a local SMTP server when developing on Windows 7?

How can I get SMTP to work on a Windows 7 development box?  I used to just be able to turn on the IIS SMTP server on Windows XP.  Is SMTP not included with Windows 7?  If so, what can I use instead as a free relay mechanism?

A:

If you are developing in ASP.net using the built-in mail libraries, a lesser-known configuration setting is to use the following:
<configuration>
. . . more config stuff here . . .     
  <system.net>
    <mailSettings>
      <smtp deliveryMethod="SpecifiedPickupDirectory" from="noreply@testdomain.org">
        <specifiedPickupDirectory pickupDirectoryLocation="c:\smtp\"/>
      </smtp>
    </mailSettings>
  </system.net>
</configuration>

All your application generated emails will be dumped into this directory during development. No smtp server needed!

A:

SMTP isn't included with Windows Vista, either - you'll have to download and install a free third-party SMTP server. There are a number available - http://www.softstack.com/freesmtp.html being one.
UPDATE: Some more options - Vista's IIS Instance doesn't have SMTP (Solutions?)

A:

You can use Google's as a free relay, however you need to have a Google account.
smtp.gmail.com

Just make sure the ports are setup as defined for your account.

