Applies to: Exchange Server 2007 SP3, Exchange Server 2007 SP2, Exchange Server 2007 SP1
Topic Last Modified: 2006-09-22

Use the New Dynamic Distribution Group wizard to create a new dynamic distribution group in your Exchange organization.

Note:
You can also use the Exchange Management Shell to create a dynamic distribution group. For more information, see New-DynamicDistributionGroup.

Unlike regular distribution groups that contain a defined set of members, the membership list for dynamic distribution groups is calculated each time a message is sent to them, based on the filters and conditions that you define. When an e-mail message is sent to a dynamic distribution group, it is delivered to all recipients in the organization that match the criteria defined for that dynamic distribution group.

Important:
A dynamic distribution group includes any recipient in the Active Directory directory service with attributes that match its filter. If a recipient's properties are modified to match the filter, that recipient could inadvertently become a group member and start receiving messages that are sent to the dynamic distribution group. Well-defined, consistent account provisioning processes will reduce the chances of this issue occurring.

Use the Introduction page to enter the following information for the new dynamic distribution group.

Organizational Unit
  • Use this box to select the organizational unit (OU) that will contain the new dynamic distribution group. By default, this box will show the OU that is set in the Recipient Scope dialog box. To learn more about changing the recipient scope, see Recipient Configuration > Recipient Scope.

  • If the recipient scope is set to the forest level, by default, this box displays the Users container in the Active Directory domain that contains the computer on which the Exchange Management Console is running. If the recipient scope is set to a specific domain, by default, this box displays the Users container in that domain. If the recipient scope is set to a specific OU, by default, this text box displays that OU.

  • Click Browse to open the Select Organizational Unit dialog box. Use this dialog box to select a different OU. This dialog box displays all OUs in the forest that are within the specified scope. Select the desired OU, and then click OK to return to the wizard.

Name

Use this box to type the name for the dynamic distribution group. The name cannot exceed 64 characters. We recommend that you enter a name that indicates the purpose of the group.

Alias
  • Use this box to type the alias of the dynamic distribution group. By default, the alias is automatically populated based on the Name field. If the group name contains any characters that are not valid for the alias field, they will be replaced by underscore characters (_).

  • The alias cannot exceed 64 characters and must be unique in the forest. It can contain letters, numbers, and the following characters: ! # $ % ^ & * + - . / = ? _ { } | ~.

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