Mac Srv: Serial Numbers in Retail and Upgrade Servers (99164)

SUMMARY

Versions 3.0 and 3.1 of Microsoft Mail for AppleTalk Networks provide two different kinds of servers: retail and upgrade. Both versions are identical except that the retail version of the server contains a unique serial number and has the ability to create a new data file. The upgrade server does not contain a serial number and does not have the ability to create a new data file. Both servers, however, can upgrade an existing data file.

MORE INFORMATION

When installing Microsoft Mail, the Microsoft Mail Server program checks for a valid Microsoft Mail Data file in the System Folder.

If such a file does not exist, and if you are using a retail version of the server program, the installation program creates a new Microsoft Mail Data file and assigns the serial number of the Mail Server program. You cannot change the serial number of a mail server once the number has been written to the data file.

If a data file does not exist, and if you are using upgrade version of the server program, the following message appears:

The Microsoft Mail Server could not be loaded because Update servers may only be used with an existing "Microsoft Mail Data" file.

In both cases (if you are using either a retail version or an upgrade version), if a data file already exists, the Microsoft Mail Server will update its own internal serial number using the information contained within the data file.

Because Microsoft Mail uses the serial number contained within the data file when it communicates with other servers, it is possible to replace the Microsoft Mail Server file and maintain serial number integrity.

NOTE: The Microsoft Mail server must be an extension in order to get a serial number. If the Microsoft Mail Server is running as an application, it will use the Microsoft Mail Data file's serial number for operation, but it will not change its internal serial number to match. This is important if the Microsoft Mail Server is an upgrade because it will not allow for a new datafile to be created at a later date.