PC DirSync: Err Msg: Fatal [203] GAL Rebuild Problem

• Microsoft Mail for Windows, version 3.2

SYMPTOMS

With version 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for Windows, persistent failures of directory synchronization (Dir-Sync) may be recorded in the DIRSYNC.LOG file:

   Fatal [203] GAL Rebuild problem accessing files
   Global Address List not installed on this Postoffice

CAUSE

The GAL.NME file is being held open (but not locked) by the MSSFS.DLL file. The problem only occurs with MSSFS.DLL version 3.2.0.4046 through 3.2.0.4074.

MSSFS.DLL is used to resolve the names of intended recipients. When an intended recipient is an external user with a name already in the Personal Address Book (PAB), the GAL.NME file is not closed after the message is sent. The server does not allow REBUILD.EXE to delete the old GAL.NME, thus generating the error.

RESOLUTION

There are currently two workarounds:

• From the Mail menu, choose Options and uncheck Add Recipients To Personal Address Book.
• Make sure every workstation performs an Exit And Sign Out from Mail for Windows before you run REBUILD.EXE.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in version 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for Windows. This problem was corrected in version 3.2a (which includes MSSFS.DLL version 3.2.0.4074).

For information on obtaining this update, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

   m a i l u p d

You can find MSSFS.EXE (size: 154730 bytes) 
                      , a self-extracting file, on the following

• Microsoft's World Wide Web Site on the Internet

        On the www.microsoft.com home page, click the Support icon.
        Click Knowledge Base, and select the product.
        Enter kbfile MSSFS.EXE (size: 154730 bytes) 
                              , and click GO!
        Open the article, and click the button to download the file.
  
  

• Internet (anonymous FTP)

        ftp ftp.microsoft.com
        Change to the Softlib/Mslfiles folder.
        Get MSSFS.EXE (size: 154730 bytes) 
  

• The Microsoft Network

        On the Edit menu, click Go To, and then click Other Location.
        Type "mssupport" (without the quotation marks).
        Double-click the MS Software Library icon.
        Find the appropriate product area.
        Locate and Download MSSFS.EXE.
  

• Microsoft Download Service (MSDL)

        Dial (206) 936-6735 to connect to MSDL
        Download MSSFS.EXE (size: 154730 bytes) 
  

   ARTICLE-ID: Q119591
   TITLE     : How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online
               Services