transport Failed to connect to the server

Hi guys I have an Asp.net Application that uses the Latest versions of .net and IIS..

I have a section for members to join and then a confirmation email sent to the users newly created account. The data gets set up but for reason I get the
COMEXCEPTION (0x80040213)

I am having issues with the SMTP server in IIS6 .. It does not seem to work at all.. Enabled and configured the same fastion as the Running server... the backup seems to not even attempt to initiate a transfer of asp generated email responses.. I know I must be overlooking something.. The mail server itself is a custom written engine that runs through another server altogether..

The problem is the backup server + SMTP in IIS6 both on the same machine... do not Work at all..

Any ideas ? thanks in advance..

Hank-