Possible to use SMTP server?

[GG-Xtreme]

Since there is an SMTP server listed in the status thread, I wanted to know if it is possible to use it for my forum new-registration activation mailer, since PHP Mail() only seems to work 5% of the time and I am already getting complaints from people who can't activate their accounts.

[Jarryd]

You could use the smtp mail function, most forums have a section where you can choose to use a smtp mail service instead of phpmail().

Would you like me to find out the details of the smtp server for you?

[GG-Xtreme]

Yes please, that would be great. My site is mercx.exofire.net if you need to know.

[Christopher]

Server: localhost
Username: ggxtreme
Password: cPanel password

[GG-Xtreme]

Sorry, I tried that and it didn't work either. Nobody on my site (including me) gets email sent by any method to any email address. Is this a problem, or is every email provider blacklisted for safety reasons?
Edit:
Is there possible a third way of sending activation emails? My forum is expected to gain a lot of users and activating everyone manually is not a fun prospect.

[Christopher]

In the MyBB ACP, click on tools and maintenance, then system mail log, and post the error under Error Message if there are any.

[GG-Xtreme]

Aha!

The mail server does not understand the MAIL FROM command

Happens with SMTP server only. But does that explain why the mail doesn't get sent at all?

Edit: Also, I think that you could cover all of the support threads faster if you let us reply to other people's threads about common problems (if you strictly enforced on-topic rules and had posters lock their own solved threads).
Edit:
Edit: If none of the x10 mail methods work, can anyone recommend me an external way of having my forum send activation emails?

[Brandon]

Try using a gmail account with there SMTP service?

[GG-Xtreme]

Try using a gmail account with there SMTP service?

Doesn't work, Gmail requires authentication, and MyBB just sits there at 'Delivering 0%'. If I try to resend any system mail, it just stays queued forever because Gmail won't accept the connection. I'm running out of ideas, isn't there a simple fix on the server to allow it to send mail again? It used to send mail months ago, but now both the PHP mail function and the SMTP refuse to send anything.
Edit:
Nvm, it's a different problem. I'm getting the same error about the 'FROM' field, even with Gmail. The MyBB team says it's a problem with the server, not with MyBB, and marked this is a 'Bogus' bug. I don't want to sound like a moron, but this could kill my site, I'm not active enough to activate every account and I can't take the risk of instant activation (that's what killed one of my previous sites).
Edit: Should I upgrade my PHP to level 3 and try the PHP mail() again?

[Christopher]

PHP v3 wont make a difference.

I do remember using some email provider once where their SMTP server worked in scripts such as MyBB. Let me hunt around a bit and see if I can find it.