When you use .csv files to import and export distribution lists, entries in the distribution list may appear with a gear icon next to them instead of a mailbox or world icon.
When a gear icon appears next to an object in the Microsoft Exchange Server Administrator program, that indicates that there is no directory entry for that object.
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A good example of this is a distribution list created or modified by means of a .csv file. If the .csv file contains members in the distribution list that cannot be resolved into valid mailboxes, these mailboxes are listed as members of the distribution list but are not used. If the mailboxes are then created, the distribution list does not resolve the entry to the mailbox.
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To work around this issue, create the mailboxes, export the distribution list, and then import it again.
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