PC Win: Err Msg: Mail Failed to Relocate Your Message File

• Microsoft Mail for Windows, versions 3.0, 3.0b, and 3.2

SYMPTOMS

In versions 3.0, 3.0b, and 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for Windows, when a user tries to move the Mail message file (MMF) from the postoffice to the local computer (or vice versa), the following error message may be displayed:

   Mail failed to relocate your message file

RESOLUTION

If there is insufficient disk space, you can resolve the problem by freeing disk space on the target drive.

If the MSMAIL.INI file is marked as Read Only, simply changing the properties of the MSMAIL.INI file will not resolve the problem. After changing the properties of the MSMAIL.INI file, another error message will be displayed the next time the user logs into the Windows client:

   Your message file could not be found

Mail for Windows uses the MSMAIL.INI file to write intermediate information while the .MMF file is being transferred. Because the MSMAIL.INI file is marked Read Only, this information cannot be written and hence the error occurs. Even though the .MMF file was not relocated, the ACCESS3.GLB file was changed to reflect the intended new location.

If the .MMF file is on the postoffice, perform the following steps:

1. Determine the user's 8-digit ID number. You can determine this number in one of two ways:

       - Use USRDUMP.EXE or LISTUSER.EXE.
   

       - Log in to the MS-DOS client and move the user's folders to
         Private-Storage. This creates an .IDX file with the same
         filename as the user's 8-digit ID. After the user's ID has been
         determined, the user's private folders should be moved back to
         the server.
   

2. Copy the user's .MMF file (<user's 8 digit ID>.MMF) from the MMF directory on the postoffice to the user's local computer.

   The exact location of the .MMF file is now known.

3. Start Microsoft Mail. After the user signs in, the following error message is displayed:

         Your Message file could not be found
   

   The Open Message File dialog box will then be displayed.

4. Select the correct .MMF file.

MORE INFORMATION

The LISTUSER utility is included with Application Note WA0641, "Database Maintenance Utilities." You can have this Application Note mailed or faxed to you by contacting Microsoft Product Support Services.