XFOR: Forcing a Dirsync Cycle on the Exchange Server

• Microsoft Exchange Server, version 4.0

SUMMARY

The Microsoft Exchange Server can act as the directory synchronization (dirsync) server for Microsoft Mail for PC Networks. It can also act as a dirsync requestor. This article explains the steps to take if a T1 or T2 cycle is required.

MORE INFORMATION

The first thing you need to do is add the following registry entry on the Exchange Server:

1. On the Exchange Server, run REGEDT32.EXE.

2. Under the subtree HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE go to the following subkey:

         \System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSExchangeDX
   

3. From the Edit menu, choose Add Value.

4. Type PauseKicksDX as the Value Name.

5. Enter REG_DWORD as the Data Type.

6. Choose OK.

7. Type 1 (number one) as the data, verify HEX is selected in the Radix field.

Once the above registry entry is entered to trigger, assuming that your dirsync server or Requestor is configured in the Exchange Server Admin program, you can force a T1 or T2 cycle by doing the following:

1. Run Control Panel on the Exchange Server, and choose Services.

2. Select the Microsoft Exchange Directory Synchronization Service.

3. Select the Pause button and answer Yes.

   The following message appears:

        [STOP] "Could not pause the Microsoft Exchange
        Directory Synchronization service on <ServerName>.
        Error 2140: An internal Windows NT error occurred."
   

   This is a good message. You have triggered either a T1 or T2 cycle, depending on whether the Exchange Server is the Directory Synchronization Requestor or the Server, respectively.

DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES

T1 is the process that occurs when a Requestor assembles a message to the dirsync server with updates of the Requestor's address list.

T2 is the process that occurs when the dirsync server takes all the updates from all requestors, makes the necessary address changes and sends a message to all the requestors with the updated information.

Directory synchronization is outlined in Chapter 14 "Synchronizing Directories with other Systems" in the Administrators Guide (RC2).

T1 and T2 are explained in greater detail in Microsoft Application Note WA0725.EXE.