XADM: Correct Order to Use to Define Custom Attributes in Exchange Server 5.5 (318106)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
This article was previously published under Q318106

SUMMARY

When you set up (or map) custom attributes in Exchange Server by using the Microsoft Exchange Server Administrator program, it is extremely important that you define the attributes and populate the attributes in the correct order. This article describes the correct method to do so.

MORE INFORMATION

To reduce the occurrence of duplicate entries, you must first define the custom attribute mapping in DS Site Configuration before you populate the attribute.

The following procedure is the correct order to follow:

WARNING: If you use the raw mode of the Exchange Server Administrator program (admin /r) incorrectly, serious problems may occur that may require you to reinstall Microsoft Windows NT Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, or both. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems that result from using raw mode incorrectly can be solved. Use raw mode at your own risk.
  1. Start the Administrator program.
  2. Click Configuration.
  3. Double-click DS Site Configuration, and then click the Custom Attributes tab.
  4. Type a name for each attribute that you want to use in the Values section.
  5. Click OK, and then exit the Administrator program.
  6. Start the Administrator program in raw mode by typing the following text at a command prompt:

    c:\exchsrvr\bin\admin /r

  7. Click an object such as a mailbox.
  8. On the File menu, click RAW Properties.
  9. In the List attributes of type box, click All.
  10. For each attribute that you defined as a custom attribute in step 4, verify that the Object Attribute definition matches the common name Extension-Attribute-X, where X is the custom attribute number that you defined for that attribute in step 4.
  11. After you have verified that the Object Attribute definition matches the common name Extension-Attribute-X, populate the defined custom attribute either manually or through a Directory Import.
NOTE: The key to success in this process is to define the custom attribute mapping first, verify that the custom attribute was mapped properly, and then enter the data for that defined attribute.

For additional information about custom attribute uses and Directory Import/Export, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

151198 XADM: How to Set Up a Search for a Custom Attribute

155414 XADM: Bulk Import/Export FAQ

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/25/2005
Keywords:kbinfo KB318106
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