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Installation of Exchange Server 2007 fails on a multiprocessor server

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Symptoms

You try to install Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 on a server that has multiple processor cores, and the installation fails when the Setup program tries to perform the Exchange Readiness Checks. The install log may resemble the following after the installation fails:
[Date Time_AM_PM] [0] Setup will run the task 'test-setuphealth'
[Date Time_AM_PM] [1] Setup launched task 'test-setuphealth -DomainController 'Domain_Controller' -DownloadConfigurationUpdates $true -ExchangeVersion '8.1.240.6' -Roles 'Mailbox' -ScanType 'PrecheckInstall' -SetupRoles 'AdminTools','Mailbox' -CreatePublicDB $false -TargetDir 'C:\Exchange 2007 SP1' -IISInstalled $true'
[Date Time_AM_PM] [1] Beginning processing.
[Date Time_AM_PM] [1] [WARNING] An unexpected error has occurred and debug information is being generated: Error HRESULT E_FAIL has been returned from a call to a COM component.
[Date Time_AM_PM] [1] [ERROR] Error HRESULT E_FAIL has been returned from a call to a COM component.

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Cause

This issue occurs when there are 25 or more active processor cores on the server on which you are installing Exchange 2007. For more information about the recommended maximum number of processor cores for a given Exchange 2007 server role, visit the following TechNet article:
Planning Processor Configurations

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Resolution

To resolve this issue, you must temporarily reduce the number of processor cores that are available on the system by using a Windows operating system configuration change. After you install Exchange 2007, you can restore the number of processor cores.

For Windows Server 2003

To reduce the number of active processor cores, follow these steps:
  1. Edit the Boot.ini file, and on the line for the operating system that is used with Exchange Server 2007, add the following switch:
    /numproc=number value
    Set the number value in this switch to 24 or fewer. This switch sets the number of processor cores that Windows runs at startup. By using this switch, you can force a multiprocessor system to use only the number of processor cores that you specify.
  2. Restart the server.
  3. Install Exchange 2007 on the server.
  4. Edit the Boot.ini file, and delete the /numproc switch.
  5. Restart the server.

For Windows Server 2008 and for Windows Server 2008 R2

To reduce the number of active processor cores, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start
    , and then type cmd in the Search programs and files box.
  2. Right-click cmd.exe in the Programs list, and then click Run as administrator.
    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.
  3. At the command prompt, copy or type the following command, and then press ENTER:
    msconfig.exe
  4. Click the Boot tab.
  5. Select the operating system that is used with Exchange Server 2007. Typically, this is labeled Current OS.
  6. Click Advanced.
  7. Note the number of processors that are currently set, and then set the number of processors to 24 or fewer.
  8. Restart the server.
  9. Install Exchange 2007.
  10. Click Start
    , and then type cmd in the Search programs and files box.
  11. Right-click cmd.exe in the Programs list, and then click Run as administrator.
    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.
  12. At the command prompt, copy or type the following command, and then press ENTER:
    msconfig.exe
  13. Click the Boot tab.
  14. Select the same operating system that you selected in step 5 and that is used with Exchange Server 2007.
  15. Click Advanced.
  16. Restore the number of processors to the value that you noted in step 7.
  17. Restart the computer.

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Keywords: KB981539, kbprb, kbsurveynew, kbexpertiseinter, kbtshoot, kbinstallation

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Article Info
Article ID : 981539
Revision : 1
Created on : 4/2/2010
Published on : 4/2/2010
Exists online : False
Views : 270