Email Tool: Operation Func 'curl_easy_perform' timeout

Question

Hi All,

I'm running Designer Desktop Version: 2025.1.2.79 and running into an issue with the Email tool.

With the help from IT, I was able to setup the SMTP connection and user credentials, though when I try to run a simple Input Text to Email flow, I get the following message several times:

Email (2) Retry Attempt to perform curl operation Func 'curl_easy_perform' failed, ret = 28, desc = Timeout was reachedI saw previous posts about it being a Designer issue, but that was for 2023 version. Can anybody assist?

Pescarole · Answer

I'm also having the same problem at work. I'm evaluating the possibility of using the Python tool to send emails using the SMTP connection itself.

ramblerd2505 · Answer

Thanks, all. I've been backed up with work this week, I'll take a look at the responses soon and let you know!

KGT · Answer

So, firewalls are interesting. There are ways to try and deal with it, but there's a chance that it still won't work and need IT. The error you are getting is a timeout, so it's not a direct refusal, but more like the request can't find something that will respond to it. That's not to say it's definitely the firewall. It's really important not to rabbit hole on a pathway, especially when the error is so generic. An internal connection may be different to external as well, as SMTP may not be hit if Azure takes control of the redirection and it never leaves your server, however that would require IT/external research. SMTP is a protocol to work between servers AFAIK.

I haven't come across a case where the ports are a combination other than 25-None, 587-SSL/TLS, 465-STARTTLS, so you're bang on with trying those, don't worry about combinations unless instructed to try. If the message is the same with each of those ("ret = 28, desc = Timeout was reached"), then I would guess it's the SMTP connection.

Easiest way is to try the process with what you believe to be correct settings, and someone from IT have a look at the log for that time, however I understand IT is not always available for that. This seems to be environmental, and it could be as simple as an SMTP setting on the server. There is also a caveat that I'll include... I have never had to use DCM for email, and so have no idea if there is something to look out for there.

Check this out for some troubleshooting steps, but it's not the same error.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Func-curl-easy-perform-failed-ret-8-desc-Weird-server/m-p/1395075#M345970

Firewall settings can be entered in System Settings on your designer if you have admin designer installed. I thought I knew where it was for non-admin, but it's not in user settings... and probably needs admin rights... IT should be able to check that the port you are using is enabled through your firewall, if you can get into the firewall settings, you should be able to find the settings for port 465/587 and see whether something looks up.

In the end it looks to be environmental and so your IT will be best positioned, but I hope this ramble gives you a couple things to investigate.