XCLN: How to Ensure Proper Name Resolution (189906)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook for Macintosh, Exchange Server Edition 8.0
This article was previously published under Q189906

SYMPTOMS

When you use Microsoft Outlook for the Macintosh client for Microsoft Exchange Server, the e-mail addresses you type into the To, Cc, or Bcc boxes of a mail message do not resolve, specifically the names do not appear as underlined.

CAUSE

You are using either Open Transport or MacTCP to provide TCP/IP protocol services on the network, and there is no provision for Domain Name Service (DNS).

RESOLUTION

There are two viable solutions for this condition:

  • Configure the Macintosh workstation with a local hosts file that contains names and IP addresses for the Microsoft Exchange Server computer.

    -or-
  • Configure and implement a DNS Server on the network.

MORE INFORMATION

DNS is used to identify computers on a TCP/IP network. Implementing a DNS server may not be cost effective on a small network.

To configure a local hosts file, follow these steps:

  1. Using SimpleText or another text editor, create a Hosts file using the following format.

    <Exchange server name> CNAME <IP domain name> <IP domain name> A <corresponding IP address>

    For Example: 
          Mail1 CNAME Mail1.Mycompany.com
      Mail1.Mycompany.com A 157.54.16.157

    Ensure that there are spaces between each of the Hosts file elements.
  2. Save the file with the name, Hosts. Be careful not to add an extension and make sure that the file is saved as text. This file should be saved in the System Folder.
  3. On the Apple menu, click Control Panels, and then TCP/IP.
  4. On the Edit menu, click User Mode, and then click Advanced.
  5. Click Select Hosts File and click your Hosts file in the System Folder. Click Open.
  6. Close the TCP/IP window and click Save when you are prompted to save changes.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/28/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB189906
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.