out of office on exchange for sbs server 2003

does it work when a client enables it via outlook web access?

Is there an error message? Does it go through the motions and then doesn't work when a message is sent?

-Matt-

Exactly right, there is no error message it just goes through the motions and then doesn't work.

I'll test it on owa and let you know.

I just checked via owa and it was already enabled, so no it doesn't work via owa either.

Also it appears to work internally but not externally.

ok,
system manager -> global settings -> internet message formats -> right click on default ->advanced ->
allow out of office.
 
but you said that was OK

Do you deliver mail over a smarthost?
if so, try delivering mail over direct MX lookup

yes system manager -> global settings -> internet message formats -> right click on default ->advanced -> is already allowed.

How do I know if mail is delivered over smarthost or not and how do I change it to direct MX lookup?

check your send connector, it is defined there.

it is smarthost but I wouldn't have the confidence in changing it properly.  Any chance you can you talk me through what to do please?

yes no problem.

you disable smarthost, and set it to "direct delivery' also check "use external dns"(or something like it, i don't have 2003 here to check...)

Restart the exchange transport service.

What it does is deliver your mail directly instead of sending it to your ISP first.

but note the settings that were in the smarthost field.(the address) , so if it still doesn't work you can just change it back

Brilliant thanks

Also If I expand "first adminstrative group\server\" and click on queues Exchange MTA is flagged as Not Available.  Is that to be expected and should that change when I make the change?

normally this shoudld be started , it's an exchange service you can find in the services applet (called mta stack) but it doesn't affect smtp traffic only x400 so does not apply to the issue normally.

Hi, sorry I'm not sure where you disable smart host and set "direct delivery"  I can find the "use external dns" section but not the other.

That's great and that has now fixed the problem.  Wooohooo, makes me look very good so thanks a lot setasoujiro

brilliant can't fault it, top class help.

no problem, just so you know the reason is that your isp blocks the "oof replies" :)

yeah I know, I phoned them and checked with them and they said they do and told me to do the same thing as you! :)

:)
just make sure to monitor the outgoing mail for a couple o days, just to be sure that all is ok :)