XFOR: Exchange 2000 Sends MIME Plain Text as HTML and Plain Text (286291)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
This article was previously published under Q286291
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When a user sends a plain text message from a Microsoft Outlook client that uses an Exchange 2000 server to send messages to the Internet, the Exchange 2000 server may override the user's choice and send both plain text and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). When MCI Mail or other plain text mail readers receive a MIME/multipart/alternative message, the recipient receives one e-mail message that contains plain text at the top followed by the same message embedded in HTML tags.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the Exchange 2000 server does not receive the sender's option in the message. As a result, the Exchange 2000 server sends both the plain text message and the HTML message.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

301378 XGEN: How to Obtain the Latest Exchange 2000 Server Service Pack

The version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

Component: Transport

File nameVersion
Phatcat.dll6.0.4418.54

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server. This problem was first corrected in Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Service Pack 1.

MORE INFORMATION

After you apply this fix, you must make registry changes to enable this functionality.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To enable this functionality:
  1. Stop the Exchange 2000 Server services.
  2. Apply the fix that is described in the "Resolution" section of this article.
  3. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  4. Locate and click the following key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSExchangeTransport\Parameters

  5. On the Edit menu, click Add Value, and then add the following registry value:

    Value name: SendPlainTextAsIs
    Data type: REG_DWORD
    Radix: Hexadecimal
    Value data: 0x1

  6. Quit Registry Editor.
  7. Restart the Exchange 2000 Server services.
After you add this value, all plain text mail that is generated by Outlook is sent as plain text without any HTML tags.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/5/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbfix kbQFE KB286291
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