Outlook Web Access (OWA) allows any client with a compatible browser to access Exchange Server folders.
The “premium” version of OWA in Exchange 2003 looks and acts much like the Outlook 2003 desktop client, although it does not offer support for the Journal folder. The “basic” version looks more like previous versions. You may want to try both and see which is faster for the conditions your users are likely to encounter.
For Exchange 2000, you create applications using web forms. No conversion tool is available to turn Outlook forms into Exchange 2000 OWA forms. For resources and tools, see Microsoft Exchange Server Development Technologies. With Outlook 2002 and Exchange 2000, you can connect using OWA and Outlook 2002′s support for HTTP mail servers (at least those that use WebDAV). The correct URL would be .
There are issues using OWA on Vista because the dhtml text editor control used by OWA is not supported in Vista. The Exchange administrator should have installed the security patch for this on the Exchange server months ago, but many have not. The patch will fix this and a similar issue that affects Windows XP users who’ve installed the security patch described in MS06-013. The hotfix installs a new editor for Internet Explorer which uses an iframe instead of an ActiveX control.
If you are an end-user, contact your administrator. If you are an administrator, see the following links for more information and the hotfix.
You receive an error message when you try to perform any editing tasks, or you must click to enable the compose frame in Outlook Web Access http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/911829.
MS06-013: Cumulative security update for Internet Explorer (July 2006)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/912812
OWA Problems on Vista (Exchange Messaging Outlook Jan 4 2007)
OWA 5.5 specific content is now at Outlook Web Access 5.5
OWA 2000 specific content is now at Outlook Web Access 2000
Exchange 2003 | Troubleshooting | Tools | Samples | Discussion | More Information
Exchange 2003
OWA is built into Exchange 2003 and allows access to mail, contacts, calendar, and task folders, plus distribution lists. Still no support for journal items yet. See:
- Exchange 2003 OWA first impressions
- Outlook Web Access Does Not Use the Default Exchange Server 2003 User Interface When You View Public Folders
- Forms-based Authentication — Explanation, with screen shots, of this new logon security feature for OWA
Troubleshooting
General
Exchange 20003
- HOW TO Troubleshoot the 503 Service Unavailable Error Message in Outlook Web Access 2003
- “Outlook Web Access Was Unable to Check the Spelling on This Item Due to an Error” Error Message When You Use the Spelling Checker
Tools in the Spotlight
Access your Exchange Inbox, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and your organization's Public Folders simply by using the browser on any portable device. |
Tools
ActiveSend completely integrates Outlook Web Access with the computer desktop to provide increased Outlook-like convenience and productivity. On its own, OWA doesn’t allow users to email files from within applications. The file must first be saved and then attached to a separate email message. With ActiveSend, Outlook Web Access users can easily send documents at any time while working within any application. ActiveSend also activates hyperlinks in email, documents and web sites to provide convenient single-click emailing capability | |
Messageware’s OWA Suite provides critical security and productivity features to Outlook Web Access. The Messageware OWA Suite brings together all seven Messageware Outlook Web Access enhancements in one bundle, including AttachView, Plus pack, an Calendar Share. For Exchange 2000/2003. | |
Plus Pack integrates key features such as Outlook-like addressing, global address list contacts, roaming personal dictionaries, and much more, transforming OWA into an intuitive, Outlook-like web mail application. |
More Information
- Exchange 2000 and 2003 – All Technical Articles and Books / Updated — contains all Exchange 200/2003 technical articles and books published through Oct 2003. (57 MB)
- Server Tools for Mobile Access to Microsoft Exchange Server Data — some offer additional alternatives to OWA for browser users beyond those in the Tools section above
- How to Use Outlook Table Views with Microsoft Exchange Client and OWA
- Microsoft Outlook Web Access Performance and Extensibility (Microsoft)
- Using Outlook Web Access to check your mail when you’re away from the office
- Logging on to OWA with Only a Username
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Last reviewed on Mar 31, 2012
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