Microsoft Exchange and Blackberry Server Specialists

RPC over HTTPS: Client Setup: Domain Member

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These instructions are for a machine that is a member of the same domain, same forest or a trust relationship with the Exchange server. If you want to use a non-domain member, then see the instructions here.

Client Requirements

  • Outlook 2003 or higher
  • Windows XP SP2 or higher

On Outlook 2007 the boxes have slightly different labels, but appear in the same locations - enter the same information.

Where Exchange 2007 or higher is the server, and Outlook 2007 is being used, then these instructions should not be required, as Autodiscover will configure the client for you automatically.

Client Configuration

Once you have setup the server, you need to configure the client machines.

Our recommendation is to setup the clients on the local network using the conventional connection process. Once the mailbox and all other settings are complete, convert the mailbox to use RPC/HTTPS.

Make sure that you are using Windows XP Service Pack 2. It is also best to do the initial configuration where there is a connection to the Exchange server already in place.

  1. In Outlook 2003, choose "Tools", "Email Accounts..."
  2. Ensure that "View or Change existing email accounts" is selected and press Next.
  3. With "Microsoft Exchange Server" highlighted, click Change.
  4. In the bottom right corner is "More Settings..." click that.
  5. Click on the "Connection" tab, and enable the option "Connect to my Exchange mailbox using HTTP", as shown in the screenshot below.

    Screenshot: Microsoft Exchange More Settings: General TabScreenshot: Microsoft Exchange More Settings: Connection Tab
     
  6. Click on "Exchange Proxy Settings..."
  7. Complete the options as appropriate for your environment.
    Remember that the server name must match the certificate - which may not be the same.
    In the example screenshot below the external name is "exchange.domain.com"
    Take care with the Authentication settings - start with NTLM authentication and only change it if you have problems.

    Screenshot: Microsoft Exchange Proxy Settings

Client Testing

Outlook has a built in system for displaying the status of the connection via a command line switch.

After you have configured Outlook, close it completely, checking Task Manager to ensure that outlook.exe is no longer running.

Then click on "Start", "Run" and enter the command:

outlook /rpcdiag

You should see a connection being made over HTTPS and not TCP/IP. TCP/IP connection indicates that it isn't working correctly.
If you want to see screenshots of a working and non working connection - click here.


Recovery of Deleted Items

If you use the Deleted Item Recovery options within Outlook then you should be aware of an additional setting you should make to the Outlook clients. This change is discussed in this KB article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886205 and the registry change is available on our recover deleted items page here.


More on RPC over HTTPS: Tips on Successful Implementation