Supporting Messaging Clients

SMTP Support

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is the Internet standard for transporting and delivering electronic messages. Based on specifications in Request for Comments (RFC) 821 and RFC 822, Microsoft SMTP Service is included in the Windows 2000 operating system.

Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server expands Microsoft SMTP Service, enhancing the basic delivery functions of the protocol without compromising its compatability with other messaging systems. Exchange gives administrators greater control over the routing and delivery of messages, and provides secure access and channels for managing the service.

For help with specific tasks, see How To.

For general background information, see Concepts.

For information about monitoring performance, see Maintenance.

For problem-solving instructions, see Troubleshooting.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I administer my local domain?

In Exchange 2000, domain administration is not performed on the SMTP virtual server. Local domains are managed through Recipient policies. More...

How do I determine what my default domain is?

Exchange 2000 uses the primary SMTP address in the default recipient policy as your organization's default domain.

Where can I perform remote domain administration?

Although some configurations for sending e-mail to remote domains can be made on the virtual server, a majority of that administration should be done at the SMTP Connector.

What happens to my messages if I'm using Microsoft SMTP Service with Windows 2000 Server?

If you use Microsoft SMTP Service on a computer prior to installing Exchange 2000, any configurations you make in the operating system will be lost. Also, messages still in the Pickup or Queue directories won't be delivered. In Windows 2000, SMTP uses the subdirectories in the <root>\Inetpub\mailroot directory. While these folders haven't been deleted, SMTP will now use the <root>\Exchsrvr\mailroot directory. More...

When would I want more than one SMTP virtual server?

Multiple virtual servers can be helpful in certain situations. If you have different groups of users with varying security requirements or message-size needs. You may want to create additional virtual servers. Additional virtual servers are also helpful for managing different types of e-mail. For example, in a mail gateway, one dedicated virtual server can handle Internet e-mail, while another handles internal e-mail.