XCLN: Ambiguous Name Resolution Methods (146024)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Exchange MS-DOS client 4.0
  • Microsoft Exchange MS-DOS client 5.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Client 4.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Client 5.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Windows NT client 4.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Windows NT client 5.0

This article was previously published under Q146024

SUMMARY

The Microsoft Exchange clients allow you to enter an alias on the To: line instead of the complete address of a user. The Microsoft Exchange client will attempt to resolve the alias to the full address. If there are multiple matching entries, it will display them and allow you to select the correct address. This feature is call Ambiguous Name Resolution (ANR).

MORE INFORMATION

There are two ways to enter alias names on the To: line. The correct one to choose depends on how broadly you want the Microsoft Exchange client to search the address book.
  • With just the ALIAS (TO: ALIAS) - If you choose this option, the client will search the entire selected address book for any Surnames, DisplayNames, Aliases, Offices, or EmailAddresses that match the alias entered. This will include partial matches. If multiple addresses are located, the Microsoft Exchange client will display the CHECK NAMES window and allow the user to select the correct address.

    Example: If 'ADAMS' is entered on the To: line, the Microsoft Exchange client will search the locations listed above and list all items that match ADAMS along with partial matches like ADAMSON.

  • With an equal sign (=) preceding the ALIAS (TO: =ALIAS) - If you choose this option, the Microsoft Exchange client will search the entire selected address book for any Surnames, DisplayNames, Aliases, Offices, or EmailAddresses that match the alias entered. This will not include partial matches. If multiple addresses are located, the Microsoft Exchange client will display the CHECK NAMES window and allow the user to select the correct address.

    Example: If '=ADAMS' is entered on the To: line, the Microsoft Exchange client will search the locations listed above and list all items that match ADAMS but NOT partial names like ADAMSON.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbusage KB146024