Err. Msg.: The Mapi Spooler Has Shut Down Unexpectedly

Last reviewed: December 23, 1997
Article ID: Q163512

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Windows Messaging client included with Windows NT 4.0 Server or Workstation to send an attached file via Internet email through a POP3 mail server, you may receive the following error message:

   Microsoft Windows Messaging Subsystem:
   The MAPI Spooler has shut down unexpectedly. Close all
   mail-enabled applications before attempting to log on again.

After shutting down and restarting the Exchange client, you receive the same message.

CAUSE

This error is caused when you send an attached file that has no extension on the file name. This causes the MAPI spooler to access violate when it attempts to send the file over Internet email. This problem does not occur when you use Exchange servers as your mail server, only when using a POP3/SMTP mail server.

When the error occurs, the mail message does not leave the Outbox so every time the client starts, it tries to send the message, causing the MAPI spooler to access violate again.

RESOLUTION

Once you have encountered this error, the only way to stop it is to install the fix mentioned below or to delete the mailbox.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows NT version 4.0. This problem was corrected in the latest Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 U.S. Service Pack. For information on obtaining the service pack, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

   S E R V P A C K

Additional query words: 4.00 prodnt
Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 nt32ap NTSrvWkst kbnetwork kbbuglist kbfixlist
Version : 4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug
Solution Type : kbservicepack

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Last reviewed: December 23, 1997
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