Exchange Messaging Outlook Volume 13, Number 22

Exchange’s Use of Domain Controllers

by Michael B. Smith, MCSE/Exchange MVP

If you’ve ever had to install and maintain Exchange Server (any version since Exchange 2000), you know that it is pretty picky about its domain controllers. ‘Way back when, in Exchange 5.5 and before, Exchange didn’t care about domain controllers. That was because Exchange had its own directory built right in and there was a copy of that directory on every Exchange server.

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Exchange Quick Tip: Moderated Public Folder Permissions

A user asks "We have a Public Folder which is set up to be moderated and when a new entry is made into the folder the moderator approves or denies it. However, once the entry has been approved, anyone can go in and edit the entry/contact and the moderator is not notified. Is there anyway I can set up this folder so the moderator is notified both when changes are made to an entry?"

No. You need to change folder permissions so users can't edit existing items. They'll have to open an existing item and post it as a new one, which will require moderator approval.

Outlook Quick Tip: Customize Email Notification

Users often complain because Outlook notifies them of new mail, even if they are using rules to move messages and for messages that go into the Junk email folder. While you can't tell Outlook to only notify you when the messages remain in the Inbox, you can disable new message notification and use Rules to play sounds or display the Desktop Alert.

Go to Tools, Options, Email Options, Advanced Options to disable the envelope and Desktop Alert (the small blue window). Then go to Windows Control Panel, Sounds applet and disable the New Mail alert sound.

Next, create a rule to display the Desktop Alert and play a sound. This should be the last rule in your list. Start with "Check Messages when they arrive", don't select any conditions so that it applies to all remaining messages, select Play a sound and Display a Desktop alert as the actions and save the rule. Provided all previous rules contain the 'Stop Processing' action, the rule will apply to all messages left in the Inbox.

Hint: You can create multiple rules to play different sounds depending on who the message is from or other conditions.

Outlook 2007's SMS Link

An Outlook user asks "I keep getting this reply back when Outlook 2007 calendar sends an automatic reminder text message. Outlook did not receive response from the Web service because of a problem connecting to the server. Try again later. Is the problem with the Microsoft server or my cell phone provider. Any fixes?"

Depending on your point of view, the problem could be with either Microsoft or your cell phone provider as the service now supports only three cellular companies (Nextel, Sprint PCS, and West Central). The fix is to change services, which isn't practical.

If you need reminders or messages forwarded to your phone, take a look at the SMS add-ins listed at Pager, SMS, and Other Mobile Notification Tools for Outlook