Because there are dependencies between services, starting a dependent service starts the needed service(s). For example, if the information store is requested to start before the system attendant and the directory, the Windows NT service manager will start the system attendant and the directory.
The following are the Microsoft Exchange Server dependencies.
| Service | Depends on |
| Directory | System attendant |
| Information Store |
Directory System attendant |
|
Microsoft Exchange Scripting Agent |
Directory Information store |
| MTA |
Directory System attendant |
| Internet Mail Service |
Directory Information store MTA |