XWEB: Outlook Web Access Prompts Three Times for Credentials then Displays a Blank Page (269374)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook Web Access 5.5, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
    • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
This article was previously published under Q269374

SYMPTOMS

After a user types a mailbox name at the Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA) logon page, the user may be prompted for credentials three times, and then a blank page is displayed.

CAUSE

This issue can occur because of any application that scans and modifies files, such as an antivirus solution.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, disable scanning of the Exchsrvr\Webdata folder for the drive where OWA is installed. You can configure most antivirus applications to disable scanning of the Exchsrvr\Webdata folder; refer to your antivirus application manual or online help for further details.

MORE INFORMATION

Any time that the Global.asa file is modified, the file is re-run. The Global.asa file sets up the application and session variables that OWA uses. Any time that the Global.asa file is re-run, a new application and session are created and the existing application and session are ended. When the current session ends, all session variables are lost. The attempt to log on is unsuccessful, and three prompt messages and a blank screen are displayed. While antivirus applications may not visibly make any changes to the Global.asa file, antivirus applications typically reset the archive bit on files that have been scanned, and this is enough to cause the Global.asa file to be re-run.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/28/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB269374
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