XFOR: Non-Delivery Report: 554 (not a type writer)

• Microsoft Exchange Server, versions 4.0, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to send a message via the Internet Mail Service (Internet Mail Connector in version 4.0), you may receive the following non-delivery report (NDR):

A mail message was not sent due to a protocol error.
554 (not a type writer)
Input line to submit longer than 254 characters

"Unable to deliver the message due to a communications failure"

CAUSE

This error has been reported when a message has been sent to a distribution list containing hundreds of names. The message destined for another Exchange Server computer was being routed through a Secure Message Guard, which was unable to handle more than 254 characters on the To: line.

WORKAROUND

Limit the character length on the message To: line to fewer than 254 characters.

Keywords : kbusage XFOR
Version : WINDOWS:4.0,5.0
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb