A couple of weeks ago a dozen or so users on our network started having problems when starting up Outlook. We have some users who use Outlook XP (2002) and some who use version 2003. When Outlook is starting it is taking a minute or two for the program to connect to the Exchange server. Most users receive the message box that says "Outlook cannot contact the Exchange Server" and it gives them the option to "Retry", "Work Offline" or "Cancel". After clicking "Retry" Outlook will sit for another minute before finally loading up. Oftentimes while it's waiting to load the Exchange connection box comes up and shows a progress bar moving from left to right as it attempts to connect, and eventually it does.
For the majority of users having the problem, once Outlook comes up it works fine until they close out of it again. The problem tends to only occur when starting up Outlook. I'm highly confident it's not a virus because it has happened with newly setup and imaged PCs, as well as older ones. No network or DNS changes were made around the time this started happening. I did setup an HP JetDirect print box, but I've since disconnected it from our network to see if it was causing the issue, however the problem still exists without it.
Our Exchange server is shared with another organization about a mile away from us, and that is where the Exchange server is actually located. We both have separate domains with our own DNS servers. They've told me that none of their users have been experiencing this problem, but then again, they do not have as many Outlook users and they primarily use Outlook 2000. The Exchange server is running Exchange 2000. They believe it may be something on our network, which is connected to them with a high-speed fiber connection. We are not having any other network speed issues; we are only having issues with Outlook. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it something to do with the Exchange server? Is it a DNS issue? Physical network issue? Thanks for your help!
-C.C.
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