Network Management

"The specified string is not in the form required for an e-mail address" when testing alerts in the SolarWinds Platform

When testing an email alert action, an error message (The specified string is not in the form required for an e-mail address) is displayed.

First published date

6/1/2019 12:19 AM

Last published date

1/7/2025 10:27 PM

Overview

When testing an alert action to send an email, an error pops up saying 'The specified string is not in the form required for an e-mail address'.

Product section

Orion Platform

Cause

The variable string inside To, CC, BCC and Reply Address field is not appropriate for a valid email address.

Resolution

Resolution 1

1. Check the To, CC, BCC and From fields. Make sure that the To and From fields are not empty
2. If you are using the default variables (${DefaultEmailTo}, ${DefaultEmailCC}, ${DefaultEmailBCC}, and ${DefaultEmailFrom}) for sending alert emails, ensure that the Settings > All Settings > Configure Default Send Email Action is set properly.

    


Resolution 2

1. If using a custom property (ex: ${email}), make sure that Nodes within the alert scope have a valid email address as a value. This can be confirmed by simulating the alert action
2. Use only one macro or custom property in the To field. For example:

Incorrect
    $ { { { { N=SwisEntity;M=CustomProperties.TestEmail } } } } $ { { { { DefaultEmailTo } } } } } 

Correct
    $ {N=SwisEntity;M=CustomProperties.TestEmail}


Resolution 3

Use the Insert variable in the message field to find the correct format for the variable, then apply that to the To field. For example:

Incorrect 
    ${N=SwisEntity;M=Nodes.CustomProperties.TestEmail}

Correct
    ${N=SwisEntity;M=CustomProperties.TestEmail}