Topic Last Modified: 2005-11-18
The Microsoft® Exchange Server Analyzer Tool queries the Active Directory® directory service to determine whether the configured value for the msExchSmtpMaxHopCount attribute has been changed from its default value.
In Exchange 2000 Server, the msExchSmtpMaxHopCount attribute is configured with a default value of 15. In Exchange Server 2003, this attribute has a default value of 30. If the Exchange Server Analyzer finds that this attribute is no longer set to the default setting, a non-default configuration message is displayed.
A message can be routed through many different SMTP servers (each referred to as a hop) before the message reaches its final destination. To prevent a message from being repeatedly misrouted (a condition known as a message loop) an administrator can control the maximum number of hops that is allowed. The mxExchSmtpMaxHopCount attribute specifies the number of SMTP servers through which a message can pass before returned to the sender as non-deliverable.
A value of 30 for both Exchange 2000 Server and Exchange Server 2003 SMTP virtual servers is recommended.
To correct this
error
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In Exchange System Manager, expand Servers, then expand an Exchange server, then expand Protocols, then expand SMTP.
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Right-click an SMTP virtual server (for example, Default SMTP Virtual Server) and select Properties.
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Select the Delivery tab, and then click Advanced.
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Enter the desired value in the Maximum hop count field and click OK to save the change.
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Click OK to close the Properties dialog box of the SMTP virtual server.
For more information about SMTP virtual server settings, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:
- 266686, "XCON: How to Configure a SMTP Virtual Server Part 1"
(http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3052&kbid=266686)
- 268163, "XCON: How to Configure a SMTP Virtual Server Part 2"
(http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3052&kbid=268163)