How to limit the number of recipients for each message

In Exchange 2000 Server, an administrator can specify the maximum number of recipients for each message. By default, the limit is set to 5,000 recipients.

If a user tries to send a message that exceeds this limitation, the user receives a non-delivery report (NDR) that is similar to the following:

You can change the maximum number of recipients that are allowed for each message by using one of the following two methods:

• Change the value in global settings, which applies to all mailbox-enabled users:
  1. Start Exchange System Manager; click Start, point to Programs, point to Microsoft Exchange, and then click System Manager.
  2. In the left pane, click to expand Global Settings.
  3. Right-click Message Delivery, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu.
  4. Click the Defaults tab, click Maximum recipients under Recipient Limits, and then type the largest number that is allowed.
• Change the value for the individual mailbox-enabled user:
  1. Start Active Directory Users and Computers; click Start, point to Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Active Directory Users and Computers.
  2. Locate the user account that you want to change, and then double-click the object to open the object properties.
  3. Click the Exchange General tab, and then click Delivery Options.
  4. In the Delivery Options dialog box, click Maximum recipients under Recipient Limits, and then type the largest number that is allowed.

Note When you change the value, remember the following:

• The number that you set applies to the total number of recipients that are associated with a message (To+Cc+Bcc=total).
• You cannot circumvent the limit by using a personal distribution list. The distribution list is evaluated for the number of entries before the send. In Exchange Server 5.5 only, server-based distribution lists let you exceed the total number of recipients.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: