XFOR: Possible Message Looping with the SNADS/PROFS/GroupWise/Notes Connectors

ID: Q241213

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Exchange Server, version 5.5

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Microsoft Exchange SNADS connector that comes with Microsoft Exchange Server Version 5.5, if a SNADS user attempts to send a message to a user who meets both of the following conditions, the SNADS system routes the message to the Exchange Server organization.

The user doesn't reside anywhere in the Exchange Server global address list.

The node name of the SNADS address isn't the node name in site addressing, where the address is in the format: node_name(user).

CAUSE

The receiving message transfer agent (MTA) attempts to route the message to the correct location. At this point, the only other route is out the SNADS connector on the other side so the message is routed there and out. The SNADS system receives the message, routes back in, and a message loop occurs.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix that corrects this problem is now available from Microsoft, but it has not been fully regression tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. If you are not severely affected by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Microsoft Exchange Server version 5.5 service pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

Component: Foreign Connectors

File name	Version
Lsmexif.dll	5.5.2651.22

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Exchange Server version 5.5.

MORE INFORMATION

A new Exchconn.ini entry has been created that allows users to change this behavior. The entry is called AllowUnresolvedAddresses and it should be put under the [LME-SNADS-MEXIN] section in the Exchconn.ini file.

The default value is YES. Set it to NO if you do not want Exchange Server to reject any recipient addresses that are not Exchange Server addresses. Basically, Exchange Server will not accept 'One-Off' addresses if this is set to NO.

Additional query words:

Keywords : exc55
Version : winnt:5.5
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug