Applies to: Exchange Server 2007 SP3, Exchange Server 2007 SP2, Exchange Server 2007 SP1
Topic Last Modified: 2007-08-02

There are two types of distribution groups: mail-enabled distribution groups and mail-enabled security groups. Mail-enabled distribution groups are used only for distribution messages. Mail-enabled security groups can be used for distributing messages as well, but they are also security principals. They can be used to assign permissions. A distribution group can contain mailbox users, other distribution groups, mail-enabled users, and mail-enabled contacts. To learn more about distribution groups and other recipient types, see Understanding Recipients.

When you select the Distribution Group node under Recipient Configuration, the result pane displays a list of all mail-enabled distribution groups in your Exchange organization. For more information about the Distribution Group node, see Recipient Configuration > Distribution Group.

Note:
To modify how distribution groups are displayed in Microsoft Management Console (MMC), click View in the action pane. For more information about view options, see How to Customize the Exchange Management Console.

When you select a mail-enabled distribution group in the result pane, the following actions are available either by right-clicking the distribution group name or by using the action pane.

Disable

Click Disable to remove all Exchange attributes from the Active Directory group object. The distribution group will no longer be mail-enabled, but it will remain in the Active Directory directory service.

Note:
The Disable action is not available for dynamic distribution groups.

Remove: Click Remove to remove the distribution group from Active Directory.

Properties: Click Properties to view or modify the settings for the selected distribution group.

Note:
If you select multiple distribution groups in the result pane, the Properties action is not displayed. Also, if your selection contains both mail-enabled distribution groups and dynamic distribution groups, the Disable and Remove actions are also not displayed.

For More Information

To learn more about managing distribution groups, see Managing Distribution Groups.