Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 – Configuration Home

Introduction to Exchange Server 2003 Configuration

My mission for this section is to help you explore the Exchange System Manager.  I will show you how to find all the Exchange 2003 menus, tabs and properties to manage your server.  Moreover, I offer advice on the best configuration values to keep your server running smoothly.

Topics for Exchange Server 2003 Configuration

• /3GB and USERVA = 3030
• BadMail Folder
• GAL – Global Address Lists
• GAL – Custom Display Names
• Global Catalog Server
• Global Settings Message Delivery
• Global Settings Internet
• IIS v 6.0 and Exchange
• Mailbox Limits
• Mail Recipient Types
• MX Records
• OWA (Outlook Web Access)
• OMA (Mobile)
• Recipient Policies
• RUS – Recipient Update Service
• Registry Settings
• Resource Monitoring
• Routing Groups
• SMTP Routing
• Query-based Distribution Groups
• RPC over HTTP Proxy Service
• Routing Groups
• SMTP Routing
• Security and Exchange 2003
• Stores and Storage Groups
• System Policies
• User Properties – 4 Exchange Tabs
• Virtual Servers
• Tips for Configuration

Guy Recommends: The SolarWinds Exchange Monitor

Here is a free tool to monitor your Exchange Server.  Download and install the utility, then inspect your mail queues, monitor the Exchange server’s memory, confirm there is enough disk space and check the CPU utilization.

This is the real deal – there is no catch.  SolarWinds provides this fully-functioning freebie, as part of their commitment to supporting the network management community.

Free Download of SolarWinds Exchange Monitor

Exchange System Manager

Of all the Microsoft Windows interfaces, the Exchange System Manager is the most complex.  Unless there is a reason to configure Exchange every day, we all forget where to find particular settings.

Worse, if you have not been properly trained, there may be Exchange 2003 properties that you did not know even existed.  So you may miss ticking those check boxes and setting those values that will improve your Exchange 2003 server.

The screen shot to the right merely gives the Exchange System Manager’s first level folders, hidden underneath are numerous items that menus your attention.  Each item, in itself, is easy to understand ; what can be frustrating is simply finding the correct folder.

If you come with me on a journey through the Exchange System Manager, then I guarantee that you will get satisfaction from checking over your Exchange 2003 server.

New Features in Exchange Server 2003

• RPC over HTTP Proxy Service
• Query Based Distribution Groups
• OMA (Outlook MOBILE Access)
• Inbound Recipient Filtering

Guy Recommends:  SolarWinds’ Free Bulk Mailbox Import Tool

Import users from a spreadsheet, complete with their mailbox.  Just provide a list of the users with the fields in the top row, and save as .csv file.  Then launch this FREE utility, match your Exchange fields with AD’s attributes, click and import the users.  Optionally, you can provide the name of the OU where the new mailboxes will be born.

There are also two bonus tools in the free download, and all 3 have been approved by Microsoft:

1. Bulk-import new users and mailboxes into Active Directory.
2. Seek and zap unwanted user accounts.
3. Find inactive computers.

Download your FREE bulk mailbox import tool.

Summary Configuring Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

I cannot think of a utility with more menus and sub-menus than the Exchange System Manager. This section will help you to find the most common settings to configure or tune-up your Exchange Server 2003.

See Also

• ADMT Wizard
• ADC Agreements
• Install Exchange 2003
• Installing Exchange Server 2007
• Hardware
• Microsoft Exchange 2003  Clustering
• Migration Strategies
• Migration Benefits
• Microsoft Exchange Compatibility