On a Windows Server 2003-based SMTP gateway server, some messages may remain in the queue folder until the SMTP service is restarted

On a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based SMTP gateway server, some messages may unexpectedly remain in the queue folder until the SMTP service is restarted. After the SMTP service is restarted, all idle messages in the queue folder are processed correctly. Specifically, the idle messages are delivered, or non-delivery report (NDR) messages are sent to the mail sender. Therefore, the mail sender may receive an NDR message several days or even several weeks after the sender sends a message.

Note Typically, the following folder is the queue folder:

Note This article does not apply to Windows 2003 servers that are running Exchange 2000 or Exchange 2003. This article applies only to Windows Servers that are running the SMTP Service without Exchange 2000 or Exchange 2003.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Restart requirement

After you apply this hotfix, you must restart the IIS Admin service and all services that depend on the IIS Admin service.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

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