XFOR: Applying Exchange Service Packs Does Not Update MSMC Files, Shadow Is Relocated

• Microsoft Exchange Server, versions 5.0, 5.5, 5.5 SP1, 5.5 SP2

SYMPTOMS

When you apply the Exchange Server service pack, it may change most of the registry entries pointing to the default drive location of the shadow postoffice of the Microsoft Mail connector (MSMC). Also, it may not update the Msmcon\Bin folder, leaving its contents unchanged, and creates a new Msmcon folder. It may also stop sharing the relocated Maildat$ folder, which stops the MSMC.

CAUSE

The shadow postoffice (MS Mail Connector postoffice) has been moved from its original drive location before you apply the Exchange Server service pack.

If it has been deleted, the service pack creates a new Msmcon folder containing the files updated by the service pack.

RESOLUTION

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).
To resolve this problem:

1. Make a backup copy of the Msmcon\Bin folder on the drive hosting the relocated postoffice files.



2. Copy the contents of the Msmcon\Bin folder on the default drive to the Msmcon\Bin folder on the drive hosting the relocated postoffice files, allowing it to overwrite duplicate files.



3. Verify and correct, if necessary, the following registry entries to reflect the location of the relocated shadow postoffice.




HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services

• Registry Key: name_of_the_pcmta
  Value Name: ImagePath



• Registry Key: MSExchangeMSMI
  Value Name: ImagePath



• Registry Key: MSExchangeMSMI/Performance
  Value Name: Library



• Registry Key: MSExchangePCMTA/Performance
  Value Name: Library

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/EventLog/Application

• Registry Key: MSExchangeMSMI
  Value Name: CategoryMessageFile
  Value Name: EventMessageFile



• Registry Key: name_of_the_pcmta_service
  Value Name: CategoryMessageFile
  Value Name: EventMessageFile


4. Check to see if the relocated Maildata folder is still being shared as Maildat$.



5. Verify mail flow in both directions.



6. Delete the Msmcon folder from the default drive, if necessary.

Additional query words: post office

Keywords : exc5 exc55 exc55sp1 exc55sp2
Version : winnt:5.0,5.5,5.5 SP1,5.5 SP2
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb