"Cannot contact WMI service" error message when you try to use Exchange System Manager (309757)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
This article was previously published under Q309757

SYMPTOMS

When you try use Exchange System Manager to view monitoring information, you may not be able to view the information, and you may receive the following error message:
Cannot contact WMI service

CAUSE

This problem can occur when your account has the Exchange View-Only Administrator role.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, add the account with the View-Only Administrators role to the local Administrators Group. To do so, follow these steps:
  1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
  2. Expand Local Users and Groups, and then click Groups.
  3. In the right-pane, double-click Administrators, and then click Add.
  4. In the Look in drop-down list, click your domain name.
  5. Click the account that you want to add to the local Administrators group, and then click Add. Note that you can select multiple accounts when you press CTRL key.
  6. Click OK two times.
WARNING: This workaround allows the View-Only Administrator to become an Exchange Full Administrator. Consider whether this conflicts with your network security rules.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/16/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB309757
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