XADM: You Cannot Run Setup with the /forestprep Switch (325316)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install Exchange 2000 Server by running the setup /forestprep command, you may receive the following error message:

Error code 0XC1037AE6 (31462): Extending the schema in the Active Directory failed. Please consult the following error log: %s\LDIF.ERR

The Exchange 2000 Server Setup Progress.log file may contain the following entry:

[time] CBaseComponent::ScPollAtomsForRemoval
(K:\admin\src\udog\setupbase\basecomp\basecomp.cxx:1601)
Error code 0XC103F222 (61986): Not installed
[time] Completed ForestPrep of Microsoft Exchange 2000 component
[time] ScRunLDIFScript (K:\admin\src\libs\exsetup\exmisc.cxx:1267)
Error code 0XC1037AE6 (31462): Extending the schema in the Active Directory failed. Please consult the following error log: %s\LDIF.ERR.

The bottom of the "Documents and Settings\AccountName.DomainName\Local Settings\Temp\Ldif.err file may contain the following entry:

(number): Entry already exists, entry skipped
There is a syntax error in the input file
Failed on token starting with ('letter') on line (number)
An error has occurred in the program

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use either of the following methods:

Download the latest Exchange 2000 Service Pack. From a command prompt at the I386\Setup folder of the service pack, run the update.exe /forestprep command. There is no difference between running forestprep from the service pack and running it from the installation CD-ROM. However, if forestprep is successful from the service pack, you know that your installation CD-ROM is damaged.
Use another Exchange 2000 Server CD-ROM to run Setup. If you cannot do so, order a replacement CD-ROM from Microsoft.

How to Order a Replacement CD-ROM

U.S. customers can contact the Microsoft Order Desk:

(800) 360-7561, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

Canadian customers can contact the Canadian Order Desk:

(800) 933-4750, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

Check the Status of Your Order

To view the status of your order, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://status.microsoft.upgrade.com

To obtain order status, type the order number and postal code. You can also check the status of your order by calling one of the phone numbers that is listed earlier in this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about another issue that generates the same error message, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256184 XADM: ForestPrep Fails with Extending the Schema Error