OWA HTTP 500

Another option is to use SSL to provide security, this may help reset and correct the problem.

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/SSL_Enabling_OWA_2003.html

it looks more like the mail is not getting delivered properly.. i mean, i can read the subject and who it is from, just not the body.  this is the same in Oulook (desktop).

Are you running any Exchange service packs?

Have you reinstalled Exchange since restoring the AD?

Things to try (in order):
1. Run an Exchange domainprep again.
2. Reinstall Exchange with original CD (you'll get an error about previous service packs and so, just click OK)
3. Reinstall Exchange service pack to the same level.

If that doesn't work, a more drastic step would be:
1. Restore your Exchange IIS metabase to it's orginal state, i.e. no Exchange, ExchWeb folders etc.
2. Exchange domainprep.
3. Reinstall Exchange
4. Reinstall Exchange service packs.

Let me know how it goes.

Cheers!!!

You might want to take a look at the common causes of the 500 Internal Server Error.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;841546

The mail is being delivered if you can read the subject.  

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=899965

Again your problem is permission based.  It may be in the store, but since it is happening to the Outlook client itself, then it is a DCOM permission issue.  You need to fix your permissions which may mean starting over again with a new server install like eclipse007 mentioned.  Backup backup backup.

PS.  Just because you are not running windows 64bit do not disregard the article.  

I am still working on this.  I was out of town for a week but will be trying the suggestions above this week.  Thanks!

Sorry for the delay.  I was able to fix the issue when I installed Trend Micro Virus scanner.  I recomend that the points get awarded to the expert who knows why this would have fixed it... I do apretiate all the help everyone has offered.  I wish I had more time to dedicate to this issue.  

Thank you!

To answer the question, no, no service packs have been installed (well, some re-installed i suppose) and it has been rebooted plenty of times (too many ;)

So what was the solution?

installing Trend Mircor AV and closing my eyes and counting to ten.

So how did Trend fix the issue?

"I was able to fix the issue when I installed Trend Micro Virus scanner.  I recomend that the points get awarded to the expert who knows why this would have fixed it... "

Could have been some sort of virus.  I think the virus is called "Symantec".  The mail was getting delivered to SMTP, but it wasn't making it to the Inbox, I think there is a transport in there where AV scanning goes on, and Symantec was previously installed.  

Really though, I don't know.

I have had lots of problems with symantec on Exchange 2003 escpecially because they like to proxy everything under the sun which often suxors.  Trend has always been a steadfast and problem free solution.  I recommend that product to everyone.  I do like the Antivirus of Symantec, just not their exchange or internet filtering software.

Did you have the Symantec Client running or Symantec for Exchange?

Actually, no.  Symantec Mail Security service is disabled.  I wonder if enabling it would have fixed it.  NAI was installed at one point as well.  It is kind of a test server, that a few friends and family help "test".

If you had the normal SAV client 9 or 10 installed that would've created problems - the Internet Mail Security then need be disabled.