XFOR: SMTP Messages with TNEF May Lose Formatting and Attachment

 Last reviewed: March 11, 1998
Article ID: Q182232
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Exchange Server, versions 5.0 and 5.5

SYMPTOMS

When you receive SMTP messages with TNEF via the Internet Mail Service, message formatting and attachments may be lost.

CAUSE

This problem only occurs when the X-MS-TNEF-CORRELATOR section of the SMTP message header is wrapped onto a second line. The following an example from a message: 

   X-MS-TNEF-Correlator: <5913080CA46DD111A98200A0C9960C101E3C@test.com>
If the above line is wrapped according to RFC 822 section 3.1.1, it would appear as follows: 

   X-MS-TNEF-Correlator:(CRLF)
   (Space)<5913080CA46DD111A98200A0C9960C101E3C@test.com>
When the TNEF Correlator is wrapped in the above manner, the IMAIL process in the Microsoft Exchange information store does not interpret the header correctly, and consequently it ignores the TNEF section of the message. Because message formatting, rich-text definitions, and attachments can be placed in the TNEF, they could also be lost.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, the originator of the message needs to turn off rich text formatting.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Exchange Server versions 5.0 and 5.5. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

Additional query words: XADM
Keywords : XFOR
Version : winnt:5.0,5.5
Issue type : kbbug

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: March 11, 1998
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.