XFOR: Applying Exchange Service Packs Does Not Update MSMC Files, Shadow Is Relocated (240208)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 SP1
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 SP2
This article was previously published under Q240208
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you apply the Exchange Server service pack, it may change most of the registry entries pointing to the default drive location of the shadow postoffice of the Microsoft Mail connector (MSMC). Also, it may not update the Msmcon\Bin folder, leaving its contents unchanged, and creates a new Msmcon folder. It may also stop sharing the relocated Maildat$ folder, which stops the MSMC.

CAUSE

The shadow postoffice (MS Mail Connector postoffice) has been moved from its original drive location before you apply the Exchange Server service pack.

If the msmcon folder has been deleted, the service pack creates a new Msmcon folder containing the files updated by the service pack.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
To resolve this problem:
  1. Make a backup copy of the Msmcon\Bin folder on the drive hosting the relocated postoffice files.
  2. Copy the contents of the Msmcon\Bin folder on the default drive to the Msmcon\Bin folder on the drive hosting the relocated postoffice files, allowing it to overwrite duplicate files.
  3. Verify and correct, if necessary, the following registry entries to reflect the location of the relocated shadow postoffice.

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services

    • Registry Key: name_of_the_pcmta
      Value Name: ImagePath

    • Registry Key: MSExchangeMSMI
      Value Name: ImagePath

    • Registry Key: MSExchangeMSMI/Performance
      Value Name: Library

    • Registry Key: MSExchangePCMTA/Performance
      Value Name: Library

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/EventLog/Application

    • Registry Key: MSExchangeMSMI
      Value Name: CategoryMessageFile
      Value Name: EventMessageFile

    • Registry Key: name_of_the_pcmta_service
      Value Name: CategoryMessageFile
      Value Name: EventMessageFile

  4. Check to see if the relocated Maildata folder is still being shared as Maildat$.
  5. Verify mail flow in both directions.
  6. Delete the Msmcon folder from the default drive, if necessary.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/28/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB240208
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