On a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 and that has the SMTP service installed, messages may be delayed after you set certain properties to a message to control the time that the message is delivered

You may set certain properties to a message to control the time that the message is delivered. However, the message that has the latest delivery time will be inserted at the head of the message queue instead of at the tail of the message queue. However, the process logic of SMTP service will deliver the messages from the head of the queue. Therefore, this scenario will result in other messages in the queue to be delayed and prevent the queue from being emptied.

Hotfix Information for Windows Server2003

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 Service Pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

This hotfix requires Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 to be installed on the computer.

Restart Requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix. However, the IIS Admin service is restarted automatically when you apply this hotfix

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 2, X86 version

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, X64 version

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, IA64 version

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