How can I improve this exception retry scenario?

Question

I have a web service method I am calling which is 3rd party and outside of my domain. For some reason every now and again the web service fails with a gateway timeout. Its i

Answer 1

Here's another way you might try:

// Easier to change if you decide that 5 retries isn't right for you
Exception exceptionKeeper = null;
for (int i = 0; i < MAX_RETRIES; ++i)
{
    try
    {
       MDO = OperationsWebService.MessageDownload(MI);
       break;  // correct point from Joe - thanks.
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        exceptionKeeper = ex;
        // 5 retries, ok now log and deal with the error.
    }  
}

I think it documents the intent better. It's less code as well; easier to maintain.