XADM: Generating the Calls.out File

ID: Q178531

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Exchange Server, versions 4.0, 5.0, 5.5
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SUMMARY

The Calls.out file is a useful diagnostic tool in cases where the message transfer agent (MTA) is not functioning properly, but fails to stop responding. For example, if the MTA is failing to deliver any mail while messages are present in the work queue, a Calls.out file may indicate the function that the MTA is trying to perform. The Performance Monitor chart displaying the processor usage for each MTA thread will indicate if there is a persistently stuck thread. If there is a persistently stuck thread, make note of the MTA thread ID so that information can be used when you look at the Calls.out file.


MORE INFORMATION

Thread states can change over time. Therefore, the MTA thread analysis in Performance Monitor must coincide with the generation of the Calls.out file. It is best to keep the Performance Monitor chart active while generating the Calls.out file to verify the actual state of the threads at the precise moment the Calls.out file is generated. The Calls.out file is generated using the following steps:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).


  1. Start the Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe)


  2. Open the following registry key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSExchangeMTA\ Diagnostics


  3. Select the X400 Service diagnostic value.


  4. Type the value of 7 in the Data box.


  5. Click OK. The Calls.out file is generated.


  6. Select the X.400 Service diagnostic value.


  7. Type the previous value for this registry setting in the Data box.


  8. Click OK.


The Calls.out file is created by default in the Exchsrvr\Mtadata subdirectory whenever one of the MTA diagnostic values is set to 7. The Calls.out file is a text file and can be viewed by any text editor. However, you need to make a private copy of Calls.out before you restart the MSexchangeMTA. The MTA service will remove Calls.out upon startup.

Keywords : XCON
Version : winnt:4.0,5.0,5.5
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbhowto


Last Reviewed: March 19, 1999
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