XADM: Error Message: "The Requested Operation Is Forbidden" When You Try to Modify a Public Folder

When you try to change the properties of a public folder using Exchange System Manager, you receive the following error message: This behavior occurs when you try to change properties on one of the following tabs on the Public Folder Properties page:

• General
• Replication
• Limits
• Details
• Member Of
• Permissions

The proper permissions are not set on the Exadmin virtual directory that is below the HTTP virtual server.

To ensure that the permissions are set properly:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Internet Services Manager.
2. Expand the local server in the left pane. If this is a stand-alone server, expand Default Web Site. If this is a clustered server, expand the HTTP virtual server that corresponds to the Exchange virtual server. For example:
   HTTP Virtual Server (EXVS01)
3. Right-click the Exadmin virtual directory, and then click Properties.
4. On the Virtual Directory tab, ensure that the following options are selected:
   • Script source access
   • Read
   • Write
   • Directory browsing
   
   
5. Click OK.

Normally, the Directory service to Metabase replication (DS2MB) component sets the proper permissions on the Exadmin virtual directory. But, if DS2MB is not replicating, or if the Exadmin virtual directory is created manually in Internet Services Manager, the permissions are not automatically set.