XADM: Using an Active Directory Connector to Rebuild an Exchange Directory (268816)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 SP3, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 2000
This article was previously published under Q268816

SUMMARY

Running the DS/IS Consistency Adjuster to re-create directory objects in the case of a lost Exchange directory, may cause unexpected results if there is an Active Directory Connector (ADC) in place. Running the DS/IS Consistency Adjuster creates new mailbox objects, newer than the objects currently existing in the Active Directory. An Active Directory Connector could replicate the blank details of the new mailbox objects over the existing User Accounts. As a result, account details such as phone numbers, names, and addresses would be lost.

You can use the Active Directory Connector to create the directory objects without losing these details.

MORE INFORMATION

To use this method, there must be an ADC active, and successful replication must have taken place before losing the Exchange directory. In other words, the Microsoft Windows 2000 Active Directory must have knowledge of Exchange objects to replicate them back. There should also be a good backup of the Windows 2000 system state. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

240363 How to Back Up and Restore the System State Using the Windows 2000 Backup Program

Note: If there are other Exchange Server computers available, directory exports and imports may be the preferable method to rebuild the directory.

Steps to Rebuild the Exchange Directory

These steps are for single Exchange server in a site.
  1. Reinstall Exchange so that you have a new, clean directory. Use the same service account. Create a new site with the same organization and site names. Reapply any previously applied service packs, and so forth.
  2. Open the Active Directory Connector Manager.
  3. Click Properties on the Connection Agreement, which replicates to Exchange.
  4. Right-click Connection Agreement, and then click Replicate Now.
  5. Open Exchange Administrator on the server that is being rebuilt, and verify that the objects are being re-created.
  6. After all entries are replicated, you can use the DS/IS Consistency Adjustor to re-create objects that did not replicate.
  7. Complete the rebuild, and then configure any connectors on the Exchange Server computer.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/25/2005
Keywords:kbhowto KB268816
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