XFOR: Exchange Requestor Drops Users After Dirsync (152424)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0

This article was previously published under Q152424

SYMPTOMS

When a Microsoft Exchange Server acts as a directory synchronization (dir-sync) requestor, it may drop custom recipients from its Global Address List (GAL). This occurs when it processes specific transactions that have been inserted into dir-sync through a manual import file.

CAUSE

Users are dropped when transactions are received that follow the alternative format suggested in the "Microsoft Mail Administrator's Guide," for versions 3.2 and 3.5. On page 328(page 330 of the 3.5 manual), the following example is given for modification of a user's template information:
   M George Jones
    - Title:/Sales Rep
    - Local:/3423
    - Department:/Sales
				

Microsoft Exchange will respond unpredictably when it processes a transaction in this format. One effect often seen is that it drops the user from the GAL.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in version 4.0 of Microsoft Exchange Server. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

To make template modifications without encountering this problem, construct the input file using modify transactions similar to the following:
   M George Jones                   PCM:ABC/TESTING/GJONES
     George Jones                   PCM:ABC/TESTING/GJONES
    - Title:/Sales Rep
    - Local:/3423
    - Department:/Sales
				

Notice the extra line added beneath the line beginning with M. Microsoft Exchange expects transactions in this two-line format.

If users have been dropped from the GAL due to this problem, request a full import and the users will be restored on the next dir-sync cycle. To request a full import on Microsoft Exchange, start the Microsoft Exchange Administrator program and view the properties of the Dir-Sync Requestor object. On the Settings property page, select the Import on Next Cycle checkbox.

MORE INFORMATION

See Appendix A of the Microsoft Exchange Administrator's Guide for additional information regarding the import program and its use with an import file.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/28/2005
Keywords:kbusage KB152424