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lukerussell

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Multiple recipients hidden when receiving message through exchange

Hi! hope this is an easy one to solve. I have set up a few SBS servers with exchange before, but haven't come across this problem.

We have a simple domain setup with a 2003 SBS and the built-in Exchange server running. Exchange downloads email off the default mail server using the POP3 connector, then distributes them to the AD user's mailbox.

When an email is sent only to the exchange user (ie they are the only recipient in the sender's "To" box) the email they receive shows the recipint's name in the "To" field (as it should). However, when there are multiple recipients (ie 2 or more names in the "To" box of the sender), the "To" field in the exchange users mailbox is empty... So thay cannot do a reply to all or even see who elso the email was destined for. It's almost as if everyone was Bcc'd, but I know thay weren't, because I have tested it myself.

I'm assuming it is an exchange problem/setting not an Outlook one because:
a) we have the same problem on all client machines
b) we have the same problem using OWA

Here's what I have found out so far:

a) I have checked the original mail server (the one exchange pop connector connects to) and everyone's names are in the "To" field, so it is definately at the Exchange level.
b) I have exacly the same setup elsewhere, and do not have this problem, so I know it is not a limitation of the pop connector or anything.

I'm hoping it is simply a setting on the Exchange server that I am not aware of, but any help would be appreciated.

thanks in advance.
Avatar of Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy
Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy
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Hi lukerussell,

It's interesting that this is your issue... generally, when a message is sent to multiple recipients within your SBS network's domain, they would receive multiple copies of the message. (per http://support.microsoft.com/kb/264249)

I will agree with you that this is an Exchange issue, but more specifically a POP3 connectore issue.

Can you confirm the following?

Are the recipients all in the To field?  Or are some in the cc field?
Is the message being sent from another Exchange server that supports distribution groups?  Or does it matter where the messages come from?
Are you using a global mailbox at the ISP level?  Or individual POP3 accounts?

Jeff
TechSoEasy
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lukerussell

ASKER

hi Jeff. Thanks for the response.

Just to confirm:

-All recipients are in the To field, not in the CC. I will try putting other recipients in the cc to see what happens
-It doesn't seem to matter where the message originates from externally. I might try to send an email from one internal mailbox to a number of others, bypassing the pop downloader, and see if it works. I am assuming it will.
-they are individual accounts at thr ISP level, not a global mailbox.

I know, it's very strange. It's almost as if, when there are multiple recipients for some reason exchange pop connector cannot distinguish who it was to...

I had a bit of a look around on the net and didn't find anything so far...

Thanks for the help so far.
If they are individual accounts at the ISP level, then this very well may be an issue with your ISP.  Because that server is where the message gets split into separate messages and the headers get redone.  So, I'd look there to see what is going on.

I would be fairly certain that it's not at the Exchange level given that you are using separate POP3 accounts.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

God point. the only thing is we use exactly the same ISP for another SBS server set up in exactly the same way, and everything works fine.

Also, when I check the ISP webmail, all "To" fields are there...

but I will check with them anyway, see what they say...
Have logged a job with the ISP. They say they have never heard of it, but are looking into it...
Who's the ISP?  Is it part of their service or do you have a virtual or dedicated web server?

Jeff
TechSoEasy
Web Central (Australia - www.webcentral.com.au) Not actually the ISP but the Domain hosting provider. they host the website and email. No dedicated web server. We have unlimited mailboxes on our hosting plan.
OK. I have set up a seperate POP client using Outlook Express so it downloads the POP email instead of the exchange server, and it works fine, so i'm assuming it HAS to be the pop downloader on exchange... Now all that needs to be done is figure out why!
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Avatar of Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy
Jeffrey Kane - TechSoEasy
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OK - this kind of thing drives me crazy! It has rectified itself without me doing anything! Arrrggg. Well. I guess it's fixed so thanks for your help...
Sometimes the best help is just knowing that you have a hand to hold!  :-)

Jeff
TechSoEasy