jiggamoose
asked on
MAC Imap Authentication problems with SBS 2003
We have some Mac's in a SBS 2003 w/Exchange Server environment.
Currently the users use Apple Mail with OSX to connect to the exchange server via IMAP.
Imap is enabled on the server.
However, we are constantly having problems with the MAC users emails - in particular it is excruciatingly slow.
It appears as though it MAY be some sort of authentication issue - as when I check the event log on the server - I am getting TONS of messages in regards to the IMAP service and the users connecting/authenticating - these messages are appearing every few seconds.
For instance the connection will close, then the user will connect, then authenticate successfully, then the connection will close etc etc. Rinse, lather, repeat.
This problem actually seems to be affecting the performance of the rest of the network (ie. slowing access to network shares etc)
Has anyone had similar issues - or might be able to help solve this issue?
The Imap Virtual server is currently set with it's default settings - I am not quite sure in terms of the authentication what should be checked or unchecked in relation to the Mac connection.
Any help would be appreciated.
Mark
Currently the users use Apple Mail with OSX to connect to the exchange server via IMAP.
Imap is enabled on the server.
However, we are constantly having problems with the MAC users emails - in particular it is excruciatingly slow.
It appears as though it MAY be some sort of authentication issue - as when I check the event log on the server - I am getting TONS of messages in regards to the IMAP service and the users connecting/authenticating - these messages are appearing every few seconds.
For instance the connection will close, then the user will connect, then authenticate successfully, then the connection will close etc etc. Rinse, lather, repeat.
This problem actually seems to be affecting the performance of the rest of the network (ie. slowing access to network shares etc)
Has anyone had similar issues - or might be able to help solve this issue?
The Imap Virtual server is currently set with it's default settings - I am not quite sure in terms of the authentication what should be checked or unchecked in relation to the Mac connection.
Any help would be appreciated.
Mark
ASKER
Thanks Jeff.
Very informative Jeff
Yes they are using OS X 10.4
I've been pulling my hair out over this issue - mainly because our Mac Users are resistent to use anything other than Apple Mail - however it just doesn't seem like Apple Mail functions well in our SBS 2003 environment.
An additional question Jeff - Our copy of SBS 2003 is not R2 - it was purchased before that was available - and apparently it doesn't fall in the window of eligibility to receive a free upgrade.
Is it only the SBS 2003 R2 that comes with the Entourage license? I honestly can't recall seeing anything regarding an entourage license in the version we have.
2ndly - if you have any experience with it - is upgrading to R2 worthwhile for a small office environment like ours (we've only been running the SBS since last December) - around 20 - 25 users.
Thanks
Mark
Very informative Jeff
Yes they are using OS X 10.4
I've been pulling my hair out over this issue - mainly because our Mac Users are resistent to use anything other than Apple Mail - however it just doesn't seem like Apple Mail functions well in our SBS 2003 environment.
An additional question Jeff - Our copy of SBS 2003 is not R2 - it was purchased before that was available - and apparently it doesn't fall in the window of eligibility to receive a free upgrade.
Is it only the SBS 2003 R2 that comes with the Entourage license? I honestly can't recall seeing anything regarding an entourage license in the version we have.
2ndly - if you have any experience with it - is upgrading to R2 worthwhile for a small office environment like ours (we've only been running the SBS since last December) - around 20 - 25 users.
Thanks
Mark
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
As long as they are OS X 10.3 or higher, then you shouldn't be using IMAP at all. Entourage 2004 will connect to an Exchange Server account in much the same way as Outlook 2003. (with the exception of Calendar sharing... but this can be overcome by logging onto a Windows workstation just for the purpose of sharing the calendar).
The license for Entourage 2004 is included with SBS. From the SBS 2003 FAQ: (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/faq/prodinfo.mspx)
There are 2 ways to acquire the media for Entourage.
• Entourage is included in the volume license disk kit available for SBS.
• Retail and OEM customers do not receive any Entourage media and may order a media deliverable through their Microsoft customer service center. The part number for this fulfillment media is Q56-00232 Entourage Mac 2004 Mac English Disk Kit CD. In the United States contact (800) 360-7561, Monday - Friday, 5:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. Pacific time zone. In Canada, contact (800) 933-4750, Monday - Friday, 5:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. Pacific time zone. For other Microsoft international locations see http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide
For complete details on how to configure your Macs on an SBS network, please see http://sbsurl.com/mac
Jeff
TechSoEasy