Mail Err Msg: There Was an Error Switching Between Private...

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SYMPTOMS

The following error message appears when you try to switch to your public folders window from your private folders window in Microsoft Mail:

   There was an error switching between private and shared folders.
   Check your message file and your network connection to the postoffice.

   The action cannot be completed because that shared folder is busy.
   Try performing the action again later. If the problem persists,
   contact your administrator.

CAUSE

You do not have the appropriate permissions to the WGPO\FOLDERS\PUB directory or the files in it.

Mail requires that you assign Full Control permission to all Mail users for the workgroup postoffice directory (WGPO by default) and all of its subdirectories and files. If you do not have sufficient directory permission to the PUB subdirectory, or the files in it, Mail displays only your private folders window when you start Mail (if that window was open the last time you quit Mail). If you had only your shared folder window open the last time you quit Mail, Mail displays only your outbox.

To open a new private folders window, choose New Window from the Window menu. If you try to switch to your shared folders window before you correctly set the directory permissions, the first error referenced above appears.

If directory permissions are revoked while you are in Mail, and you have your shared folders window open, the second error message referenced above appears when you try to open one of the shared folders.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, run File Manager on the workgroup postoffice server and:

1. Select the WGPO\FOLDERS\PUB subdirectory.

2. From the Security menu, choose Permissions.

3. Add your user account or a group to which you belong (for example, Mailusers). The account of group must have the Full Control permission. Make sure you select "Replace Permissions on Existing Files." Verify that your user account or group does not currently have the No Access permission assigned to that directory.

4. Choose OK.