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Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 - SP1

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1

Windows Server 2008 was Microsoft's catalyst for upgrading the original Exchange Server 2007 RTM* to SP1.  Be aware, there is only one correct sequence for installing Exchange Server 2007 on Windows Server 2008.

Other than support for the new 'Longhorn' server, this is a typical service pack 1; full of improvements and enhancements, but no headline-making features.

*(RTM Release to Manufacturer, original version)

Topics for Exchange Server 2007 SP1

• Install Exchange 2007 on Windows Server 2008
• Avoid These Upgrade Paths
• General Features of Exchange 2007 SP1
• Problems with Exchange Server 2007 SP1
• Summary of Exchange Server 2007 SP1

Correct Procedure to Install Exchange 2007 on Windows Server 2008

There is only one sequence which will ensure that Exchange Server 2007 works consistently with Windows Server 2008.  There are other work-arounds to get Exchange 2007 on Windows 2008, but in my opinion, they are storing up problems for the future.  Invest the time in getting your installation right first time.

Begin with a clean install of the underlying operating system, Windows Server 2008; only then install Exchange Server 2007 SP1 from a DVD or image.  As with many modern service packs, Exchange 2007 SP1 supports slipstreaming.  This means that the service pack is integrated with the original version; the benefit is that the original files and those in SP1 are installed at the same time.  In my mind's eye, the SP1 files replace the RTM files where necessary, the resulting files are then burnt into an image and labelled, 'Exchange Server 2007 SP1'.

Here are three further details to ensure success first time:
1) Make sure the Windows Server 2008 computer is a member server, and not a domain controller. 
2) Plan to use the 64-bit version of Exchange 2007 (and Server 2008!) for every scenario except testing. 
3) Microsoft recommends that you should avoid the Windows 2008 Server Core option, instead, go for the default install with the traditional GUI.

Clustering

If you are building a clustered mailbox server, you must first install the Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering feature.  Then you can install Exchange Server 2007 SP1.

These sequences are wrong, avoid these upgrade paths:

There are at least three tempting Exchange 2007 upgrade methods, but you should avoid them all because they create unsupported and troublesome configurations.

• Don't upgrade Windows Server 2003 to Server 2008, and then install Exchange Server 2007 SP1.
• Don't upgrade Windows Server 2003, with Exchange Server 2007 SP1, to Windows Server 2008.
• If you manage to get Windows Server 2008 working with Exchange Server 2007 RTM, you should not be tempted to apply SP1.  Go back to the drawing board, and build from a clean install of Server 2008.
• Avoid installing Exchange Server 2007 SP1 on a Windows 2008 Server Core system, because it is not supported.  Stick with the default, the full Windows 2008 system with the GUI.

Thus, if you want to prevent problems for the future, don't even think of trying a work around for an upgrade, instead cut your losses and revert to a clean install starting with Windows Server 2008.  Remember, you can always use the 'swing' technique and move mailboxes from the old server to the new; all that you need is one extra 64-bit computer.

General Features of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1

I am guessing, but service pack 1's feature list looks as thought Microsoft has engaged their top project manager to oversee SP1.  It seems as though he has listened to customer feedback from the RTM version, trawled forums, and sat down with the Exchange 2007 team and asked, 'What could we have done better?'  Then the project manager produced a list of improvements and enhancements to be delivered is SP1.  This is procedure is typical of service pack ones, a welcome but unspectacular list of improvements.  It is only later in the development cycle when SP3 or SP4 tend to introduce brand new features.

To my way of thinking, Exchange Server 2007 SP1 will always be the 'Longhorn service pack'.  Other benefits of running Exchange 2007 on Windows Server 2008 include, support for IPv6, and for high availability, Standby Continuous Replication (SCR).

OWA (Outlook Web Access)

OWA continues to improve as it matures as a technology.  The highlights of SP1's enhancements are:

• Recover deleted items through Outlook Web Access.
• Users can create their own Personal Distribution Lists
• Users can copy folders and individual items
• Support for Public Folders through the /owa virtual directory
• For secure email there is now S/MIME
• Improved delegation so that others can access some of your folders - watch out for the Delegation Wizard

Improvements for the Unified Messaging Server Role

Again it is the emerging, maturing technologies that require the most tweaking, making clunky components in the RTM version work smoothly in SP1.  Unified Message enhancements include:

• The ability to record high-fidelity voice messages in Exchange Unified Messaging
• Integration of missed call notification e-mail messages with Office Communicator 2007
• Users can now open their Outlook Voice Access from Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 without needing a PIN
• QoS (Quality of service) support
• You can configure Unified Messaging to use the Secure Realtime Transport Protocol (SRTP)

Message Transport

SP1 adds more settings to the Exchange Management Console (Formerly the Exchange System Manager), for example the ability to set additional message limits on connectors.  Speaking of the Exchange Management Console, Microsoft have added new features in many areas.  It's as though they pruned back too far when they reduced Exchange 2003's seven levels, to three levels in Exchange Server 2007.  Now with SP1 features that were not ready or settings that were overlooked have been introduced.

One welcome new feature is the ability to import and export .pst files.  Indeed, Microsoft have revamped the Move Mailbox tool to make migrations and transitions to Exchange Server 2007 that bit easier.

Problems with Exchange Server 2007 SP1

The bad news with every service pack these days is that it inadvertently introduces a few, often obscure problems.  The good news is that there is an Update Rollup 1 to fix such problems for Exchange Server 2007 SP1.  Here are some of the problems that the Rollup 1 fixes:

• The Autodiscover service fails in Outlook 2007 after you install Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1.
• Sundry garbled OWA messages in 'Subject' field, especially the '?'.
• The Store.exe process hogs the CPU.  You may also get: these Event IDs 9659, 8206, 8213, or 8199 in the log.
• The Microsoft Exchange Information Store service hangs.
• Email messages get stuck in the submission queue.
• An external NDR message is sent to all recipients on a distribution list.
• An application cannot run Windows PowerShell commands by impersonating a user account.
• Beware, SP1 resets Connector Receive MaxMessageSize to 10 MB.

Here is where you get your Update Rollup 1 for Exchange Server 2007 SP1

Exchange Server 2007 is a complex topic, do you need practical hands on training?  As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal.  In particular, I like the way that TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example Exchange 2007 or go for a combination of modules.  Learn more about Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 here

In conclusion

I have only mentioned my personal favourite improvements and enhancements for Exchange Server 2007 SP1.  It's only when you get down to the technical level that you truly appreciate the breadth and depth of the advances.  You can see the full list of what's new in Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1 here.

Summary of Exchange Server 2007 SP1

The killer reason for getting this service pack 1 is so that you can install Exchange 2007 on the Windows Server 2008 operating system.  Take care because there is only one correct way to achieve this dual installation.  Elsewhere, this typical of the first service pack, enhancements and improvements to tidy up 'stuff' that was clunky, or missed the deadline for the RTM version.

See more Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 topics:

• Exchange 2007 Home   • SP1   • Migration Advice   • Transition Checklist   •Compatibility   • ExBPA

• Install   • Server Roles   • CAS Role   • Hub Transport  • SMTP Connector   • NDRs  • Exchange CCR

• Mailbox Role   • Create Mailbox   • Mailbox Stores   • Recipients   • OWA   • GAL   • Eseutil   • Edge

Please write in if you see errors of any kind.  Please report any factual mistakes, grammatical errors or broken links, I will be happy to not only to correct the fault, but also to give you credit.

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